FACING LAST.DAY DECE IONS

SENIOR DIVISION, No- Z81, THIRD QUARTER, 1965

\At. 4,

THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY

"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on

mind and character."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 132.

"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study

of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give

vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's

Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a

nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—

Steps to Christ,

page 9o.

My Daily Lesson Study Pledge

As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge

myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school

lesson each day of the week.

Nate



Lesson Titles for the Quarter

Promises to the Obedient

False Arguments for Disobedience

Assault on the Character of God

Man's Condition in Death

Spiritism a Snare

The Last Great Deception

Attacks on God's Law

Attempts to Destroy the Sabbath

The Sabbath--Great Test of Loyalty

10.

Meeting Attacks on the Bible

11.

Stewardship and the Final Crisis

12.

Assaults Against the Ordinances

13.

Satan's Last Stand

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 281, July-September, 1965. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a

Year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.

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requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.

Printed in U.S.A.

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

FACING LAST-DAY DECEPTIONS

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

This quarter's lessons will engage the stu-

dent in a realistic discussion of the general

subject of last-day deceptions. Our purpose

will be to expose Satan's attempts through

the centuries to delude God's people into

believing that obedience to God is not im-

portant. Satan's attacks upon the church

have not diminished in these climactic days

when every wind of doctrine is blowing.

The enemy is still trying to persuade the

members of the church that some of its

doctrines are unimportant and that dis-

obedience to God's commands will be ex-

cused under certain circumstances. It is pos-

sible that the salvation of human souls will

depend upon a proper grasp and apprehen-

sion of these lessons.

The first lessons consider the question of

the importance of obedience and false argu-

ments on behalf of disobedience. Later

lessons deal with the enemy's attempts to

warp men's minds and lead them to ignore

or reject vital truths essential to our re-

demption.

"Messages of every order and kind have

been urged upon Seventh-day Adventists, to

take the place of the truth which, point by

point, has been sought out by prayerful

study, and testified to by the miracle-work-

ing power of the Lord. Dut the waymarks

which have made us what we are, are to be

preserved, and they will be preserved, as

God has signified through His Word and

the testimony of His Spirit. He calls upon

us to hold firmly, with the grip of faith, to

the fundamental principles that are based

upon unquestionable authority."—Counsels

to Writers and Editors,

page 52.

Lesson 1, for July 3, 1965

Promises to the Obedient

MEMORY VERSE:

"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the

land." Isaiah 1:19.

STUDY HELPS:

"Steps to Christ," chapters, "Faith and Acceptance" and "The Test

of Discipleship;" "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

- AIM:

To discover the relationship between God's promises and the life of obedi-

ence.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin

reading study helps.

Monday: Questions 3-6.

Tuesday: Questions 7-9; read

Check Here

further from study helps.

Wednesday: Questions 10-13.

Thursday: Question 14; finish

reading study helps.



❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.



Ca]

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Christ an Example of Obedience

Kept Father's commandments.

John 15:10.

Obedient unto death. Phil. 2:8.

II. Abraham an Example of Obedience

Left home and country. Gen.

12:1, 4.

Willing to obey God at any cost.

Gen. 22:2, 3, 9-13.

Received the promise of the seed.

Gen. 22:16-18.

Faith made obedience possible.

Heb. 11:8, 17-19.

III. Relation Between Faith and

Obedience

Faith and obedience go together.

James 2:21-24.

Beware of an unbelieving heart.

Heb. 3:12, 13.

Faith that works by love. Gal. 5:6.

IV. Obedience Necessary

10.

Grace makes us obedient. Rom. 1:5.

11.

Obedience purifies the soul. 1 Peter

1:22, 23.

12.

Priests and Gentiles become obedi-

ent. Acts 6:7; Rom. 15:18.

13.

Destruction for the disobedient. 2

Thess. 1:7-9.

14.

Faithful and obedient inherit the

land. Isa. 1:19; Heb. 6:10-12.

THE LESSON

2:17. If we had to bear anything which

Jesus did not endure, then upon this point

Satan would represent the power of God as

insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus was 'in

all points tempted like as we are.' Heb. 4:15.

He endured every trial to which we are

subject. And He exercised in His own be-

half no power that is not freely offered to

us. As man, He met temptation, and over-

came in the strength given Him from God.

. . . His life testifies that it is possible for

us also to obey the law of God."-The

De-

sire of Ages,

page 24.

2. How full and complete was

Christ's obedience? Phil. 2:8. Com-

pare Heb. 5:8.

Introduction

Satan's delusions through the centuries

have been aimed at making belief and obe-

dience seem unimportant and unnecessary.

The aim of this lesson is to show that faith

and obedience have always been associated

together in the plan of God. This will be

illustrated first in the life of Christ, and

then in the life of Abraham. The lesson

will then show that faith and obedience

go together in the gospel dispensation.

Christ an Example of Obedience

1. What did Christ say of His obe-

dience to the Father's commandments?

John 15:10.

NOTE.

-"Satan

represents God's law of

love as a law of selfishness. He declares

that it is impossible for us to obey its pre-

cepts. The fall of our first parents, with

all the woe that has resulted, he charges

upon the Creator, leading men to look upon

God as the author of sin, and suffering, and

death. Jesus was to unveil this deception.

As one of us He was to give an example

of obedience. For this He took upon Him-

self our nature, and passed through our

experiences. 'In all things it behooved Him

to be made like unto His brethren.' Heb.

NOTE.

-"Satan's

rage was great as he saw

that all the abuse inflicted upon the Saviour

had not forced the least murmur from His

lips. Although He had taken upon Him,

the nature of man, He was sustained by a

godlike fortitude, and departed in no par-

ticular from the will of His Father."-The

Desire of Ages,

page 735.

Abraham an Example of

Obedience

3. How did Abraham obey a diffi-

cult command from God? Gen. 12:1, 4.

NoTE.—"The Lord's call required Abram

to make a complete break with the past.

He not only had to leave the land of the

two rivers, Mesopotamia, in which Ur as

well as Haran was situated, but also had

to give up family ties and even his father's

house, never to return to those of his own

blood and race. It was a severe test. Haran

and Ur shared the same civilization and

standards of living. All this would change

immediately when he should leave the land

of the two rivers and cross over to Syria

and Palestine. Instead of fertile grazing

lands he would find a heavily wooded and

mountainous country. Instead of living

among related and highly civilized Semitic

tribes he would be sojourning among ra-

cially different Hamitic tribes of a materi-

ally lower cultural level.

"It certainly must not have been easy for

Abram to sever all ties with his beloved

homeland, a land in which he had spent

all of his life and which was hallowed by

many tender associations. A youth may

leave his native land with little regret, but

to a man 75 years of age such a decision

is not

easy."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

on Gen. 12:1.

What severe test later came to

this man of God, and what did it

prove? Gen. 22:2, 3, 9-13.

NoTE,—"At the appointed place they

[Abraham and Isaac] built the altar and

laid the wood upon it. Then, with trem-

bling voice, Abraham unfolded to his son

the divine message. It was with terror and

amazement that Isaac learned his fate, but

he offered no resistance. He could have

escaped his doom, had he chosen to do so;

the grief-stricken old man, exhausted with

the struggle of those three terrible days,

could not have opposed the will of the

vigorous youth. But Isaac had been trained

from childhood to ready, trusting obedi-

ence, and as the purpose of God was opened

before him, he yielded a willing submission."

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 152.

In expressing approval of Abra-

ham's dedication and obedience, what

precious promise did God make? Gen.

22:16-18.

What did Abraham possess that

made such obedience possible? Heb.

11:8, 17-19.

NOTE.—"There are many who fail to un-

derstand the relation of faith and works.

They say, 'Only believe in Christ, and

you are safe. You have nothing to do with

keeping the law.' But genuine faith will be

manifest in obedience."—Patriarchs

and

Prophets,

pages 153, 154.

Relation Between Faith and

Obedience

What did James say about Abra-

ham's faith? James 2:21-24.

NoTE.—"There is many a man in the

humble walks of life today whom the Lord

might designate as He did Abraham: 'The

friend of God.' Such men approve that

which God approves, and condemn that

which He condemns. In their presence even

the sinner feels a sense of awe, a restraint;

for God is with them, and they are living

epistles, known and read of all men. There

is a softened tenderness, a dignity, a divine

propriety, in their deportment, which gives

them power over the hearts of their fellow-

men."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p. 615.

What warning and exhortation

was given to the Hebrew believers?

Heb. 3:12, 13.

What is the only kind of faith

worthy of the name? Gal. 5:6. Com-

pare Rom. 16:26.

NOTE.—"Some think they have a good

degree of faith, when if they have any, it

is dead, for it is not sustained by works.

`Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being

alone.' Few have that genuine faith which

works by love and purifies the soul. But

all who are accounted worthy of everlasting

life must obtain a moral fitness for the

same."—Testimonies, vol. 1,

pp. 704, 705.

Obedience Necessary

10.

For what purpose have we been

given grace through Christ? Rom. 1:5.

Compare 2 Cor. 10:5.

NOTE.—The purpose of divine grace is not

to make it possible for us to break God's

law with impunity, as some teach, but to

enable us to obey it.

11.

What spiritual experience ac-

companies wholehearted obedience to

the truth? 1 Peter 1:22, 23.

NoTE.--"Individuals are tested and

proved a length of time to see if they will

sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel

of the True Witness. If any will not be

purified through obeying the truth, and

overcome their selfishness, their pride, and

evil passions, the angels of God have the

charge: 'They are joined to their idols, let

them alone,' and they pass on to their work,

leaving these with their sinful traits unsub-

dued, to the control of evil angels. Those

who come up to every point, and stand

every test, and overcome, be the price what

it may, have heeded the counsel of the True

Witness, and they will receive the latter

rain, and thus be fitted for translation."—

Testimonies, vol. 1,

p. 187.

12.

In New Testament times, what

examples are given of the obedience

that followed conversion? Acts 6:7;

Rom. 15:18.

13.

What is said of the final end

of the disobedient? 2 Thess. 1:7-9.

14.

What is the final reward of

those in whose lives faith is combined

with obedience? Isa. 1:19; Heb. 6:

10-12.

Nora.—Faith and patience, willingness

and obedience ultimately inherit the prom-

ises.

"Here are the promises, plain and definite,

rich and full; but they are all upon con-

ditions. If you comply with the conditions,

can you not trust the Lord to fulfill His

word? Let these blessed promises, set in the

framework of faith, be placed in memory's

halls. Not one of them will fail. All that

God hath spoken He will do. 'He is faithful

that

promised.'"—Testimonies, vol. 5,

630.

Lesson 2, for July 10, 1965

False Arguments for Disobedience

MEMORY VERSE:

"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the

fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22.

STUDY HELPS:

"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapters 3, 4; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-

tary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To examine Satan's arguments for disobedience as they contrast with

the unerring counsel of the True Witness.

[

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here



Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑



further from study helps.



❑

Sunday: Questions 1-4.



❑

Wednesday: Questions 9-12.



❑

Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin



Thursday: Questions 13, 14; finish

reading study helps.



❑



reading study helps.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 7, 8; read



Friday: Review entire lesson.



❑

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. "God Does Not Really Mean What

He Says"

"Thou shalt surely die." Gen.

2:16, 17.

Ye shall not surely die. Gen.

3:4, 5.

Result of deception. Gen. 3:6, 7.

Consequences of disobedience. Gen.

3:14-19; Rom. 5:12.

II. "A Substitute Is Just as Good"

Cain and Abel. Gen. 4:3-5.

Consequence of Cain's disobedience.

Gen. 4:8.

III. "Disobedience Will Actually Aid

God"

7. Instruction regarding holy things.

Num. 4:15.

8. Uzzah's disregard of instruction.

2 Sam: 6:6,

IV. "Disobedience Is All Right if It

Brings Greater Honor to God"

9. God's command regarding Amale-

kites. 1 Sam. 15:2, 3.

10. Saul's disobedience and excuse.

1. Sam. 15:9, 15.

11. Importance of unquestioning obedi-

ence. 1 Sam. 15:22.

V. "Obedience Is Not Always

Possible"

12. Israelites thought it impossible to

subdue Canaan. Num. 13:32, 33;

14:2-4, 28-31.

VI. "Obey Men for Fear of Personal

Harm"

13. Saul's excuse. 1 Sam. 15:24.

14. The Christian's guiding principle;

Acts 5:29; Rev. 2:10.

THE LESSON

withhold from them? What would be

the result of disobedience? Gen. 2:

16, 17.

Introduction

One basic delusion Satan has urged upon

men for centuries is that obedience to God

in all things is not really desirable or neces-

sary. He has used many arguments to make

his point sound conclusive, and many of

these are being repeated by men today.

Every conscientious Christian who recog-

nizes their origin is in a position to reject

them intelligently. The section headings of

this lesson give some of the arguments that

have been used in favor of disobedience.

"God Does Not Really Mean What

He Says"

1. What rights did God give to our

first parents in Eden, and what did He

NOTE.-

"Our

first parents, though created

innocent and holy, were not placed beyond

the possibility of wrongdoing. God made

them free moral agents, capable of ap-

preciating the wisdom and benevolence of

His character and the justice of. His require-

ments, and with full liberty to yield or to

withhold obedience. They were to enjoy

communion with God and with holy angels;

but before they could be rendered eternally

secure, their loyalty must be tested. At the

very beginning of man's existence a check

was placed upon the desire for self-indul-

gence, the fatal passion that lay at the

foundation of Satan's fall. The tree of

knowledge, which stood near the tree of

life in the midst of the garden, was to be a

test of the obedience, faith, and love of our

first parents. While permitted to eat freely

of every other tree, they were forbidden to

taste of this, on pain of death. They were

also to be exposed to the temptations of

Satan; but if they endured the trial, they

would finally be placed beyond his power,

to enjoy perpetual favor with God."—Pa-

triarchs and Prophets,

pages 48, 49.

What was Satan's first argument

in favor of disobedience? Gen.

3:4, 5.

Nora.—"If Satan's first question was in-

tended to arouse doubt, as indeed it was, the

statement with which he followed it up had

the deceptive appearance of an authoritative

declaration. But therein truth was most

cleverly mixed with falsehood. This asser-

tion contradicted God's explicit command

in the most emphatic manner of which He-

brew is capable, and which may be ren-

dered, 'Ye will positively not die.' Satan

challenged the truthfulness of God's word

by an unconcealed lie, for which reason

Christ was right in calling him the father

of lies (John 8:44)."—S.D.A.

Bible Com-

mentary,

on Gen. 3:4.

What did Eve do as the result of

being deceived, and with what result?

Gen. 3:6, 7.

NOTE.—"Eve really believed the words of

Satan, but her belief did not save her from

the penalty of sin. She disbelieved the

words of God, and this was what led to her

fall."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 55.

What were the fearful conse-

quences of disobedience? Gen. 3:14-

19; Rom. 5:12.

"A Substitute Is Just as Good"

How did God acknowledge

Abel's offering and show disapproval

for Cain's substitute? Gen. 4:3-5.

Compare Heb. 11:4.

NorE.—"These brothers were tested, as

Adam had been tested before them, to

prove whether they would believe and obey

the word of God. They were acquainted

with the provision made for the salvation

of man, and understood the system of offer-

ings which God had ordained. They knew

that in these offerings they were to express

faith in the Saviour whom the offerings

typified, and at the same time to acknowl-

edge their total dependence on Him for

pardon; and they knew that by thus con-

forming to the divine plan for their redemp-

tion, they were giving proof of their obedi-

ence to the will of God. Without the

shedding of blood there could be no re-

mission of sin; and they were to show their

faith in the blood of Christ as the prom-

ised atonement by offering the firstlings of

the flock in

sacrifice."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 71.

What was the unhappy conse-

quence of Cain's willful disobedi-

ence? Gen. 4:8.

NOTE.—"Cain hated and killed his

brother, not for any wrong that Abel had

done, but 'because his own works were

evil, and his brother's righteous.' 1 John

3:12. So in all ages the wicked have

hated those who were better than them-

selves. Abel's life of obedience and un-

swerving faith was to Cain a perpetual re-

proof. 'Everyone that doeth evil hateth the

light, neither cometh to the light, lest his

deeds should be reproved.' John 3:20. The

brighter the heavenly light that is reflected

from the character of God's faithful ser-

vants, the more clearly the sins of the un-

godly are revealed, and the more determined

will be their efforts to destroy those who

disturb their

peace."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 74.

"Disobedience Will Actually Aid

God"

What instruction had God given

about moving the ark of the cove-

nant? Num. 4:15.

[ .8

"Time is short, and our

forces must be organized to

do a larger

work."—Testi-

monies,

vol. 9, p. 27.

NOTE.—"Through Moses the Lord had

given special instruction concerning the

transportation of the ark. None but the

priests, the descendants of Aaron, were to

touch it, or even to look upon it uncovered.

The divine direction was, 'The sons of

Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall

not touch any holy thing, lest they die.'

Numbers

4:15."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 705.

Despite this warning, what did

Uzzah presume to do, and with what

result? 2 Sam. 6:6, 7.

NOTE.—"Upon Uzzah rested the greater

guilt of presumption. Transgression of

God's law had lessened his sense of its

sacredness, and with unconfessed sins upon

him he had, in face of the divine prohibi-

tion, presumed to touch the symbol of

God's presence. God can accept no partial

obedience, no lax way of treating His com-

mandments. By the judgment upon Uzzah

He designed to impress upon all Israel the

importance of giving strict heed to His re-

quirements. Thus the death of that one

man, by leading the people to repentance,

might prevent the necessity of inflicting

judgments upon thousands."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 706.

"Disobedience Is All Right if It

Brings Greater Honor to God"

What command did God give

King Saul regarding the Amalekites?

1 Sam. 15:2, 3.

NOTE.—"The Amalekites had been the

first to make war upon Israel in the wilder-

ness; and for this sin, together with their

defiance of God and their debasing idolatry,

the Lord, through Moses, had pronounced

sentence upon them. By divine direction

the history of their cruelty toward Israel

had been recorded, with the command,

`Thou shalt blot out the remembrance of

Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not

forget it.' Deuteronomy 25:19. For four

hundred years the execution of this sentence

had been deferred; but the Amalekites had

not turned from their sins. The Lord knew

that this wicked people would, if it were

possible, blot out His people and His wor-

ship from the earth. Now the time had

come for the sentence, so long delayed, to

be executed."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

pages 627, 628.

10.

How did Saul and the people

disobey this command, and with what

explanation? 1 Sam. 15:9, 15.

NoTE.—"Ambitious to heighten the honor

of his triumphal return by the presence of

a royal captive, Saul ventured to imitate

the customs of the nations around him and

spared Agag, the fierce and warlike king of

the Amalekites. The people reserved for

themselves the finest of the flocks, herds,

and beasts of burden, excusing their sin on

the ground that the cattle were reserved to

be offered as sacrifices to the Lord. It was

their purpose, however, to use these merely

as a substitute, to save their own cattle."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 629.

11.

In the divinely inspired rebuke

which followed, what great principle

did Samuel enunciate? 1 Sam. 15:22.

NoTE.—"When, in direct violation of

God's command, Saul proposed to present

a sacrifice of that which God had devoted

to destruction, open contempt was shown

for the divine authority. The service would

have been an insult to Heaven. Yet with

the sin of Saul and its result before us, how

many are pursuing a similar course. While

they refuse to believe and obey some re-

quirement of the Lord, they persevere in

offering up to God their formal services of

religion. There is no response of the Spirit

of God to such service. No matter how

zealous men may be in their observance of

religious ceremonies, the Lord cannot accept

them if they persist in willful violation of

one of His commands."—Patriarchs

and

Prophets,

page 634.

"Obedience Is Not Always

Possible"

12. What was the result of the evil

report given by the ten spies? Num.

13:32, 33; 14:2-4, 28-31. Compare

Heb. 3:18, 19.

NoTE.—"The decree that Israel was not

to enter Canaan for forty years was a bitter

disappointment to Moses and Aaron, Caleb

and Joshua; yet without a murmur they

accepted the divine decision. But those who

had been complaining of God's dealings

with them, and declaring that they would

return to Egypt, wept and mourned greatly

when the blessings which they had despised

were taken from them. They had com-

plained at nothing, and now God gave them

cause to weep. Had they mourned for their

sin when it was faithfully laid before them,

this sentence would not have been pro-

nounced; but they mourned for the judg-

ment; their sorrow was not repentance, and

could not secure a reversing of their

sen-

tence."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 392.

"Obey Men for Fear of Personal

Harm"

13.

What excuse did Saul give for

his disobedience? 1 Sam. 15:24.

14.

To what extent does God expect

His people to be faithful? Acts 5:29;

Rev. 2:10.

NoTE.—"It is better to die than to sin;

better to want than to defraud; better to

hunger than to

lie."—Testimonies,

vol. 4, p.

495.

"Choose poverty, reproach, separation

from friends, or any suffering rather than

to defile the soul with sin. Death before

dishonor or the transgression of God's law

should be the motto of every Christian."—

Ibid., vol.

5, p. 147.

Lesson 3, for July 17, 1965

Assault on the Character of God

MEMORY VERSE:

"As I

live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death

of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn

ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, 0 house of Israel?" Ezek. 33:11.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," chapter 33; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;"

"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To examine Satan's attacks on God's character in which he attributes to God

the cruelties of his own nature, and to study how to meet those attacks.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin

reading study helps.

❑

Monday: Questions 4-7.

❑

Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; read

[

Check Here

further from study helps.



❑

Wednesday: Questions 10-13.

Thursday: Finish study helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

10,1

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. God's Character

Attributes of God. 1 John 4:8; Ex.

34:5-7.

Good to all. Ps. 145:9; Matt.

5:44, 45.

Attitude toward wicked. Ezek.

33:11.

II. Fate of the Wicked

The unrepentant will perish. Luke

13:3.

The final end of sinners. Rom.

6:23 ; Ezek. 18:4; Rev. 21:8.

Complete destruction to sinners.

Mal. 4:1.

7. Wicked not now in hell. 2 Peter 2:9;

3:7; Matt. 25:31-34, 41, 46.

8. Second death after the millennium.

Rev. 20:5, 9, 14.

9. Reduced to ashes. Mal. 4:3 ; 2 Peter

2:6.

III. Satan's "Opposite Error"

10. Belief that God of love cannot de-

stroy anyone.

11. God will not save the unrepentant.

Ex. 34:7; Isa. 3:10, 11.

12. God's "strange" act. Isa. 28:21.

IV. God's Plan for the Obedient

13. God's promise to those who obey.

Rev. 22:14.

THE LESSON

a revengeful tyrant, declaring that He

plunges into hell all those who do not please

Him, and causes them ever to feel His

wrath; and that while they suffer unutter-

able anguish and writhe in the eternal

flames, their Creator looks down upon

them with satisfaction."-The

Great Con-

troversy,

page 534.

2. How great is God's goodness,

and how does He demonstrate it? Ps.

145:9; Matt. 5:44, 45.

Introduction

"It is beyond the power of the human

mind to estimate the evil which has been

wrought by the heresy of eternal torment.

The religion of the Bible, full of love and

goodness, and abounding in compassion, is

darkened by superstition and clothed with

terror. When we consider in what false

colors Satan has painted the character of

God, can we wonder that our merciful

Creator is feared, dreaded, and even hated?

The appalling views of God which have

spread over the world from the teachings

of the pulpit have made thousands, yes, mil-

lions, of skeptics and infidels."-The

Great

Controversy,

page 536.

God's Character

1. What are some of the attributes

ascribed to God? 1 John 4:8; Ex.

34:5-7.

NoTE.-"After the Fall, Satan bade his

angels make a special effort to inculcate the

belief in man's natural immortality; and

having induced the people to receive this

error, they were to lead them on to con-

clude that the sinner would live in eternal

misery. Now the prince of darkness, work-

ing through his agents, represents God as

NoTE.-"Satan is seeking to overcome

men today, as he overcame our first parents,

by shaking their confidence in their Crea-

tor and leading them to doubt the wisdom

of His government and the justice of His

laws. Satan and his emissaries represent

God as even worse than themselves, in or-

der to justify their own malignity and re-

bellion. The great deceiver endeavors to

shift his own horrible cruelty of character

upon our heavenly Father, that he may

cause himself to appear as one greatly

wronged by his expulsion from heaven be-

cause he would not submit to so unjust a

governor. He presents before the world the

liberty which they may enjoy under his

mild sway, in contrast with the bondage im-

posed by the stern decrees of Jehovah. Thus

he succeeds in luring souls away from their

allegiance to God."-The

Great Contro-

versy,

pages 534, 535.

What is God's attitude toward

the ultimate punishment of the

wicked? Ezek. 33:11.

NOTE.—"How repugnant to every emo-

tion of love and mercy, and even to our

sense of justice, is the doctrine that the

wicked dead are tormented with fire and

brimstone in an eternally burning hell; that

for the sins of a brief earthly life they are

to suffer torture as long as God shall live.

Yet this doctrine has been widely taught

and is still embodied in many of the creeds

of Christendom. . . .

"Where, in the pages of God's Word, is

such teaching to be found? Will the re-

deemed in heaven be lost to all emotions of

pity and compassion, and even to feelings

of common humanity? Are these to be

exchanged for the indifference of the stoic

or the cruelty of the savage? No, no; such

is not the teaching of the Book of God.

Those who present [such] views . . . may

be learned and even honest men, but they

are deluded by the sophistry of Satan. He

leads them to misconstrue strong expres-

sions of Scripture, giving to the language

the coloring of bitterness and malignity

which pertains to himself, but not to our

Creator. `As I live, saith the Lord God, I

have no pleasure in the death of the wicked;

but that the wicked turn from his way and

live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways;

for why will ye die?' Ezekiel 33:

11."—The

Great Controversy,

page 535.

The Fate of the Wicked

What will be the fate of those

who do not repent? Luke 13:3.

What will be the final result of

sin? Rom. 6:23; Ezek. 18:4; Rev. 21:8.

NoTE.—"The theory of eternal torment is

one of the false doctrines that constitute the

wine of the abomination of Babylon, of

which she makes all nations drink. Reve-

lation 14:8; 17:2. That ministers of Christ

should have accepted this heresy and pro-

claimed it from the sacred desk is indeed a

mystery. They received it from Rome, as

they received the false sabbath. True, it has

been taught by great and good men; but

the light on this subject had not come to

them as it has come to us. They were

responsible only for the light which shone

in their time; we are accountable for that

which shines in our day. If we turn from

the testimony of God's Word, and accept

false doctrines because our fathers taught

them, we fall under the condemnation pro-

nounced upon Babylon; we are drinking of

the wine of her abomination."—The

Great

Controversy,

page 536.

What do the Scriptures teach

about how completely the wicked will

be destroyed? Mal. 4:1.

NoTE.—"Satan, the root of every sin, and

all evil workers, who are his branches, shall

be utterly cut off. An end will be made of

sin, with all the woe and ruin that have

resulted from it. Says the psalmist, 'Thou

hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put

out their name forever and ever. 0 thou

enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual

end.' Psalm 9:5,

6."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 341.

When will the wicked suffer the

fires of hell? 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; Matt.

25:31-34, 41, 46.

NOTE.—"And how utterly revolting is the

belief that as soon as the breath leaves the

body the soul of the impenitent is consigned

to the flames of hell! To what depths of

anguish must those be plunged who see

their friends passing to the grave unpre-

pared, to enter upon an eternity of woe and

sin! Many have been driven to insanity by

this harrowing thought."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

page 545.

Describe the circumstances of the

destruction of the wicked. Rev. 20:

5, 9, 14.

NOTE.—"In mercy to the world, God blot-

ted out its wicked inhabitants in Noah's

time. In mercy He destroyed the corrupt

dwellers in Sodom. Through the deceptive

power of Satan the workers of iniquity ob-

tain sympathy and admiration, and are thus

constantly leading others to rebellion. It

was so in Cain's and in Noah's day, and in

the time of Abraham and Lot; it is so in

our time. It is in mercy to the universe

that God will finally destroy the rejecters

of His grace."—The

Great Controversy,

page 543.

To what will the fires of the last

days reduce the wicked? Mal. 4:3;

2 Peter 2:6.

Satan's "Opposite Error"

10.

To what belief has Satan led

many who are repelled by the popular

teachings of eternal torment?

ANSWER.—"A large class to whom the

doctrine of eternal torment is revolting are

driven to the opposite error. They see that

the Scriptures represent God as

being of

love and compassion, and they cannot be-

lieve that He will consign His creatures to

the fires of an eternally burning hell. But

holding that the soul is naturally immortal,

they see no alternative but to conclude that

all mankind will finally be saved."—The

Great Controversy,

page 537.

11.

How can we meet the argument

that God will not actually punish the

unrepenant? Ex. 34:7; Isa. 3:10, 11.

NoTE.—"Many regard the threatenings of

the Bible as designed merely to frighten men

into obedience, and not to be literally ful-

filled. Thus the sinner can live in selfish

pleasure, disregarding the requirements of

God, and yet expect to be finally received

into His favor. Such a doctrine, presuming

upon God's mercy, but ignoring His justice,

pleases the carnal heart and emboldens the

wicked in their iniquity."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

page 537.

12.

What did Isaiah say of God's

act of destroying sin and sinners? Isa.

28:21.

NOTE.—"God has given in His Word de-

cisive evidence that He will punish the

transgressors of His law. Those who flatter

themselves that He is too merciful to exe-

cute justice upon the sinner, have only to

look to the cross of Calvary. The death of

the spotless Son of God testifies that 'the

wages of sin is death,' that every violation

of God's law must receive its just retribu-

tion. Christ the sinless became sin for man.

He bore the guilt of transgression, and the

hiding of His Father's face, until His heart

was broken and His life crushed out. All

this sacrifice was made that sinners might

be redeemed. In no other way could man

be freed from the penalty of sin. And every

soul that refuses to become a partaker of

the atonement provided at such a cost must

bear in his own person the guilt and punish-

ment of transgression."—The

Great Contro-

versy,

pages 539, 540.

God's Plan for the Obedient

13.

What promise does God make

to all who obey Him? Rev. 22:14.

NOTE.—"Those who accept the teachings

of God's Word will not be wholly ignorant

concerning the heavenly abode. And yet,

`eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither

have entered into the heart of man, the

things which God hath prepared for them

that love Him.' 1 Corinthians 2:9. Human

language is inadequate to describe the re-

ward of the righteous. It will be known

only to those who behold

it."—The Great

Controversy,

page 675.

"Give what you can now,

and as you cooperate with

Christ, your hand will open

to impart still more. And

God will refill your hand,

that the treasure of truth

may be taken to many souls.

He will give to you that you

may give to others."—Our

High Calling,

page 199.

[ 13 ]

Lesson 4, for July 24, 1965

Man's Condition in Death

MEMORY VERSE:

"He that hath the Son hath

life;

and he that hath not the Son

of God hath not life." 1 John 5:12.

STUDY HELPS:

"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 67; "Selected Messages," b. 1,

pp. 297, 298; b. 2, pp. 34, 250, 254, 256, 261; "Testimonies," vol. 4, p. 336;

"S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To examine one of the major delusions of Satan in the light of the teachings

of Scripture.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-5.



❑

Monday: Questions 6-9.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 10, 11; begin

reading study helps.



❑

Check

Here

Wednesday: Questions 12-14.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.



Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Creation of Man

Steps in formation of man. Gen.

2:7.

Men and animals have the same

"breath of life." Gen. 7:21, 22;

Eccl. 3:19.

The "spirit" returns to God. Eccl.

12:7.

II. The Devil's First Lie

"Ye shall not surely die." Gen.

3:3, 4.

"Ye shall be as gods." Gen. 3:5.

III. Man a Mortal Being

6. Man's status when created. Heb.

2:6, 7; Luke 20:35, 36.

7. Excluded from the tree of life.

Gen. 3:22-24.

8. Man is now mortal. 1 Tim.

6:15, 16.

9. Eternal life now is conditional.

1 John 5:12.

IV. The State of Man in Death

10. The dead are asleep. 1 Thess. 4:13.

11. No part in earthly things. Ps. 146:

4; Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10.

V. The Resurrection Hope

12. Christ's promise. John 5:28, 29;

11:25.

13. No hope for the dead except for the

plan of a resurrection. 1 Cor. 15:

16-19.

14. The resurrection takes place at the

second advent. 1 Thess. 4:16-18.

THE LESSON

Introduction

The devil's first delusion centered around

whether or not a man who sinned would

really die. Satan directly contradicted God

on this matter and made his own claims.

He assured Eve that instead of sleeping the

sleep of death she would know far more

than she had ever known before and would

live forever, like God Himself. In varying

forms this delusion, "Ye shall not surely

die," spoken by the great deceiver, has been

the basis of every heathen religion and

apostate form of Christianity.

[

14]_

The Creation of Man

1. What steps did God follow in

the creation of man? Gen. 2:7. Com-

pare Job 33:4.

ment, but never to denote an intelligent

human entity capable of existence apart

from the physical human body. That which

returns to God when a man dies, whether

he be good or bad, is simply the life

principle that God imparts to both man and

beast.

The Devil's First Lie

NoTE.—"When God had made man in

His image, the human form was perfect in

all its arrangements, but it was without life.

Then a personal, self-existing God breathed

into that form the breath of life, and man

became a living, breathing, intelligent be-

ing. All parts of the human organism were

put in action. The heart, the arteries, the

veins, the tongue, the hands, the feet, the

senses, the perceptions of the mind—all be-

gan their work, and all were placed under

law. Man became a living

soul."—Testi-

monies,

vol. 8, p. 264.

How do we know that this

"breath of life" did not constitute

man's mind or intelligence? Gen. 7:

21, 22; Eccl. 3:19.

NoTE.—"From the Source of all life the

life-giving principle entered the lifeless body

of Adam. The agency by which the spark

of life was transferred to his body is said

to be the 'breath' of God. . . . Imparted

to man, the 'breath' is equivalent to his

life; it is life itself (Isa. 2:22). At death

there is `no breath

[neshanzah,

life] left in

him' (1 Kings 17:17). This 'breath of life'

in man differs in no way from the 'breath

of life' in animals, for all receive their life

from God (Gen. 7:21, 22; Eccl. 3:19). It

cannot therefore be the mind or intelli-

gence."—S.D.A.

Bible Commentary,

Gen. 2:7.

What reversal of the process of

creation takes place at death? Eccl.

12:7. Compare Job 27:3.

NoTE.—The Hebrew noun rendered into

English as "spirit" in Eccl. 12:7 is

r4ach,

a term employed 377 times in the Old Testa-

Speaking through the serpent to

Eve, how did Satan directly contradict

God? Gen. 3:3, 4. Compare chapter

2:17.

NOTE.-"By

partaking of this tree, he

[the serpent] declared, they would attain

to a more exalted sphere of existence and

enter a broader field of knowledge. He

himself had eaten of the forbidden fruit,

and as a result had acquired the power of

speech. And he insinuated that the Lord

jealously desired to withhold it from them,

lest they should be exalted to equality with

Himself. It was because of its wonderful

properties, imparting wisdom and power,

that He had prohibited them from tast-

ing or even touching it. The tempter in-

timated that the divine warning was not

to be actually fulfilled; it was designed

merely to intimidate them. . . .

"Such has been Satan's work from the

days of Adam to the present, and he has

pursued it with great success. He tempts

men to distrust God's love and to doubt

His

wisdom."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 54.

What did Satan assure Eve

would be the result of disobedience to

God's command? Gen. 3:5.

NoTE.—"The same word translated in

the KJV

tods,"elohim,

is rendered 'God'

in vs. 1, 3, and 5. The translators of the

KJV here followed the LXX [Septuagint]

and the Vulgate. The correct rendering is,

`Ye shall be as God.' This reveals most

sharply the blasphemous nature of Satan's

words (see Isa. 14:12-14) and the full

gravity of his deception."—S.D.A.

Bible

Commentary,

on Gen. 3:5.

115]

Man a Mortal Being

What was man's status in the

original order of creation? How is

this to be changed after the resurrec-

tion? Heb. 2:6, 7; Luke 20:35, 36.

Nora.—Man is now a little lower than

the angels, but after the resurrection will be

equal to the angels. He will never be

equal to God, as Satan claimed.

"There are men today who express their

belief that there will be marriages and

births in the new earth; but those who

believe the Scriptures cannot accept such

doctrines. The doctrine that children will

be born in the new earth is not a part of

the 'sure word of prophecy.' 2 Peter 1:19.

The words of Christ are too plain to be

misunderstood. They should forever settle

the question of marriages and births in the

new earth. Neither those who shall be

raised from the dead, nor those who shall be

translated without seeing death, will marry

or be given in marriage. They will be as

the angels of God, members of the royal

family.

"I would say to those who hold views

contrary to this plain declaration of Christ,

Upon such matters silence is eloquence. It

is presumption to indulge in suppositions

and theories regarding matters that God

has not made known to us in His Word.

We need not enter into speculation re-

garding our future

state."—Selected Mes-

sages,

b. 1, pp. 172, 173.

To prevent man from becoming

an immortal sinner, what precaution

did God take? Gen. 3:22-24.

NOTE.—"It was Satan's plan that Adam

and Eve should by disobedience incur God's

displeasure; and then, if they failed to ob-

tain forgiveness, he hoped that they would

eat of the tree of life, and thus perpetuate

an existence of sin and misery. But after

man's fall, holy angels were immediately

commissioned to guard the tree of life.

Around these angels flashed beams of light

having the appearance of a glittering sword.

None of the family of Adam were per-

mitted to pass that barrier to partake of

the life-giving fruit; hence there is not an

immortal

sinner."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 60.

Who only has immortality now?

What, then, is man's present condi-

tion? 1 Tim. 6:15, 16. Compare 1

Tim. 1:17.

NOTE.—"The Word of God nowhere

teaches that the soul of man is immortal.

Immortality is an attribute of God only."—

Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 344.

In what sense does the Christian

now have eternal life? 1 John 5:12.

Compare Rom. 2:7.

NOTE.—" 'In Him was life; and the life

was the light of men.' John 1:4. It is not

physical life that is here specified, but im-

mortality, the life which is exclusively the

property of God. The Word, who was with

God, and who was God, had this life.

Physical life is something which each in-

dividual receives. It is not eternal or im-

mortal; for God, the Life-giver, takes it

again. Man has no control over his life.

But the life of Christ was unborrowed. No

one can take this life from Him. 'I lay it

down of Myself' (John 10:18), He said.

In Him was life, original, unborrowed, un-

derived. This life is not inherent in man.

He can possess it only through Christ. He

cannot earn it; it is given him as a free

gift if he will believe in Christ as his per-

sonal Saviour. 'This is life eternal, that

they might know Thee the only true God,

and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.'

John 17:3. This is the open fountain of

life for the

world."—Selected Messages,

1, pp. 296, 297.

The State of Man in Death

10.

How are the dead in Christ de-

scribed? 1 Thess. 4:13. Compare Job

14:12.

NOTE.—"Christ represents death as

sleep to His believing children. Their life

is hid with Christ in God, and until the

[ 16 ]

last trump shall sound those who die will

sleep in

Him."—The Desire of Ages,

page

527.

11.

What do the dead have to do

with the affairs of earthly life? Ps.

146:4; Eccl. 9:5, 6, 10. Compare Job

14:21.

The Resurrection Hope

12.

What wonderful promise did

the Saviour give concerning a future

life? John 5:28, 29; 11:25.

13.

What would be the fate of the

dead were it not for the resurrection?

1 Cor. 15:16-19.

14.

When will the resurrection of

the righteous dead take place? 1

Thess. 4:16-18.

NorE.—"The voice that cried from the

cross, 'It is finished,' was heard among the

dead. It pierced the walls of sepulchers,

and summoned the sleepers to arise. Thus

will it be when the voice of Christ shall be

heard from heaven. That voice will pene-

trate the graves and unbar the tombs, and

the dead in Christ shall arise. At the

Saviour's resurrection- a few graves were

opened, but at His second coming all the

precious dead shall hear His voice, and shall

come forth to glorious, immortal life. The

same power that raised Christ from the

dead will raise His church, and glorify it

with Him, above all principalities, above all

powers, above every name that is named,

not only in this world, but also in the

World to come."—The

Desire of Ages,

page

787.

Lesson 5, for July 31, 1965

Spiritism a Snare

MEMORY VERSE:

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether

they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

1 John 4:1.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," chapter 34; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary

;

"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

discover the intelligence behind all spiritistic manifestations, and how

to escape his snares.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here



Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Wednesday: Questions 11-14.

Sunday: Questions 1-4.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading

Monday: Questions 5-7; begin



study helps.

reading study helps.



❑



Friday: Review entire lesson.

Tuesday: Questions 8-10.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Spiritism in Ancient Israel

1. God's

warning against wizards. Lev.

19:31.

God's attitude toward sorcerers.

Jer. 27:9, 10.

Moses' counsel regarding necro-

mancers. Deut. 18:9-12.

The law in Israel against spirit

mediums. Ex. 22:18; Lev. 20:27.

II. The Power Behind Spiritism

Spirits of devils working miracles.

Rev. 16:14; 2 Cor. 11:14, 15.

Satan wars against last-day Chris-

tians. Rev. 12:12.

Satan's angels support him. Mark

5:9.

III. Last-Day Delusions

8. A warning for God's people today.

1 Tim. 4:1.

The end of those deceived by

"witchcraft." Gal. 5:19-21; Rev.

21:8.

10.

Modern signs and wonders. Rev.

13:13, 14; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10.

IV. Testing the Spirits

11.

"Try the spirits." 1 John 4:1.

12.

The standard. Isa. 8:20.

13.

Signs and wonders not a decisive

test. Deut. 13:1-4.

14.

Our attitude toward consulting

with familiar spirits. Isa. 8:19, 20.

THE LESSON

Introduction

If the dead actually live on in a state of

godlike wisdom and power, as Satan would

have us believe, then the next logical step

would be to believe that they can communi-

cate with us.

Spiritists claim that the conversation be-

tween Eve and the serpent in the Garden

of Eden was the first spirit séance. The

serpent was indeed the medium, but the

voice and the intelligence were those of

Satan.

Spiritism in Ancient Israel

1. What warning did God give an-

cient Israel against trying to communi-

cate with the dead? Lev. 19:31.

NoTE.—A "wizard" was a man reputed

to have special knowledge concerning the

unseen world gained by supposedly con-

sulting the dead. A "familiar spirit" was

the demon attendant of a particular spirit

medium.

"Nearly all forms of ancient sorcery and

witchcraft were founded upon a belief in

communion with the dead. Those who

practiced the arts of necromancy claimed to

have intercourse with departed spirits, and

to obtain through them a knowledge of

future events. . . .

"This same belief in communion with

the dead formed, the cornerstone of heathen

idolatry. The gods of the heathen were

believed to be the deified spirits of de-

parted heroes. Thus the religion of the

heathen was a worship of the dead."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 684.

What was God's attitude toward

the sorcerers and why? Jer. 27:9, 10.

NorE.—A "sorcerer" was one who used

witchcraft or employed powers gained from

the assistance and control of evil spirits.

What was Moses' counsel to

Israel before their entrance into

Canaan? Deut. 18:9-12.

NorE.—A "necromancer" was one who

purported to communicate with the dead

and who performed magic through their

supposed powers.

What was the law in Israel con-

cerning spirit mediums? Ex. 22:18;

Lev. 20:27.

NorE.—"The work of dealing with famil-

iar spirits *as pronounced an abomination

to the Lord, and was solemnly forbidden

under penalty of death. Leviticus 19:31;

20:27. The very name of witchcraft is now

held in contempt. The claim that men can

hold intercourse with evil spirits is regarded

as a fable of the Dark Ages. But spiritual-

ism, which numbers its converts by hun-

[ 18

dreds of thousands, yea, by millions, which

has made its way into scientific circles,

which has invaded churches, and has found

favor in legislative bodies, and even in the

courts of kings—this mammoth deception

is but a revival, in a new disguise, of the

witchcraft condemned and prohibited of

old."—The Great Controversy,

page 556.

The Power Behind Spiritism

What power is behind the spirit-

istic deceptions of the last days? Rev.

16:14; 2 Cor. 11:14, 15.

NOTE.—"Satan has taken advantage of

these popular fables to hide himself. He

comes to poor, deceived mortals through

modern spiritualism, which places no

bounds to the carnally minded, and, if car-

ried out, separates families, creates jealousy

and hatred, and gives liberty to the most

degrading propensities. The world knows

but little as yet of the corrupting influence

of spiritualism."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 343.

How is Satan said to war against

God's people? Rev. 12:12.

NOTE.—"God alone can limit the power

of Satan. He [Satan] is going to and fro

in the earth, and walking up and down in

it. He is not off his watch for a single

moment, through fear of losing an op-

portunity to destroy souls. It is important

that God's people understand this, that

they may escape his snares. Satan is pre-

paring his deceptions, that in his last cam-

paign against the people of God they may

not understand that it is

he."—Testimonies,

vol. 1,

p. 341.

How did the demons that pos-

sessed the men of Gadara describe

themselves? Mark 5:9.

NorE.—"The fact that men have been

possessed with demons, is clearly stated in

the New Testament. . . .

"A striking example of their number,

power, and malignity, and also of the

power and mercy of Christ, is given in the

Scripture account of the healing of the

demoniacs at Gadara. Those wretched

maniacs, spurning all restraint, writhing,

foaming, raging, were filling the air with

their cries, doing violence to themselves, and

endangering all who should approach them.

Their bleeding and disfigured bodies and

distracted minds presented a spectacle well

pleasing to the prince of darkness. One of

the demons controlling the sufferers de-

clared: 'My name is Legion: for we are

many.' Mark 5:9. In the Roman army a

legion consisted of from three to five thou-

sand men. Satan's hosts also are marshaled

in companies, and the single company to

which these demons belonged numbered no

less than a legion."—The

Great Contro-

versy,

page 514.

Last-Day Delusions

What timely warning is given

against spiritistic delusions? 1 Tim.

4:1. Compare Matt. 24:24.

NOTE.—"Just before us is 'the hour of

temptation, which shall come upon all the

world, to try them that dwell upon the

earth.' Revelation 3:10. All whose faith is

not firmly established upon the Word of

God will be deceived and overcome. Satan

`works with all deceivableness of unrigh-

teousness' to gain control of the children

of men, and his deceptions will continually

increase. But he can gain his object only

as men voluntarily yield to his temptations.

Those who are earnestly seeking a knowl-

edge of the truth and are striving to purify

their souls through obedience, thus doing

what they can to prepare for the conflict,

will find, in the God of truth, a sure de-

fense."—The

Great Controversy,

page 560.

What will be the end of those

deceived by witchcraft? Gal. 5:19-21;

Rev. 21:8.

10.

his last great deceptions, to

what signs and wonders will Satan re-

sort? Rev. 13:13, 14; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10.

[19

NOTE.—"Some will be tempted to receive

these wonders [of Satan] as from God. The

sick will be healed before us. Miracles will

be performed in our sight. Are we pre-

pared for the trial which awaits us when

the lying wonders of Satan shall be more

fully exhibited? Will not many souls be

ensnared and taken? By departing from

the plain precepts and commandments of

God, and giving heed to fables, the minds

of many are preparing to receive these ly-

ing wonders. We must all now seek to arm

ourselves for the contest in which we must

soon engage. Faith in God's Word, prayer-

fully studied and practically applied, will be

our shield from Satan's power and will

bring us off conquerors through the blood

Christ."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 302.

Testing the Spirits

11.

Rather than believe every su-

pernatural manifestation to be from

God, what are we admonished to do?

1 John 4:1.

NOTE.—"Spirit.

The apostle bids his hear-

ers to be critical rather than credulous, and

not to accept every spiritual activity as

coming from God. From this it would ap-

pear that they had come under the ministry

of men who claimed divine authority for

teachings that were really false. The

apostle, as a good pastor, warns his flock

against specious deception."—S.D.A.

Bible

Commentary,

on 1 John 4:1.

12.

By what standard may we test

the origin of every spirit? Isa. 8:20.

NOTE.—"The last great delusion is soon

to open before us. Antichrist is to perform

his marvelous works in our sight. So closely

will the counterfeit resemble the true that

it will be impossible to distinguish between

them except by the Holy Scriptures. By

their testimony every statement and every

miracle must be tested."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

page 593.

13.

What attitude should we take

toward those who use signs, wonders,

and miracles in an endeavor to in-

fluence us away from God and His

law? Deut. 13:1-4.

NoTE.—"God's people will not find their

safety in working miracles, for Satan will

counterfeit the miracles that will be

wrought. God's tried and tested people will

find their power in the sign spoken of in

Exodus 31:12-18. They are to take their

stand on the living Word: 'It is written.'

This is the only foundation upon which

they can stand

securely."—Testimonies,

vol. 9, p. 16.

14.

If a Christian is invited to con-

sult with a spiritistic medium, what

should he do? Isa. 8: 19, 20.

NOTE.—"There are few who have any

just conception of the deceptive power of

spiritualism and the danger of coming un-

der its influence. Many tamper with it

merely to gratify their curiosity. They

have no real faith in it and would be filled

with horror at the thought of yielding

themselves to the spirits' control. But they

venture upon the forbidden ground, and

the mighty destroyer exercises his power

upon them against their will. Let them

once be induced to submit their minds to

his direction, and he holds them captive.

It is impossible, in their own strength, to

break away from the bewitching, alluring

spell. Nothing but the power of God,

granted in answer to the earnest prayer of

faith, can deliver these ensnared souls."—

The Great Controversy,

page 558.

"The more we bring to God's

treasure-house, the more we

shall have to bring; for He

will open ways before us,

increasing our substance."—

Our High Calling,

page 197.

[ 20 ]

Lesson 6, for August 7, 1965

The Last Great Deception

MEMORY VERSE:

"Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him,

and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail

because of Him. Even so, Amen." Rev. 1:7.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," pages 622-634; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-

tary

;

" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To present Scripture teaching on how to distinguish between the true and

the false.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin

reading study helps.



❑

Monday: Questions 3-6.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 7-10.



❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 11-14.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading

study helps.



❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Satan's Last Fury

As time grows short Satan works

harder. Rev. 12:12.

Each must stand alone. Ezek.

14:20.

II. The Counterfeit "Second Advent"

A warning against impostors. Matt.

24:23-25.

Satan as an angel of light. 2 Cor.

11:14.

"Go not forth." Matt. 24:26.

The world's reaction to miracles.

Acts 8:9, 10.

III. How to Recognize the Genuine

Christ's description of His second

coming. Matt. 24:27.

"Every eye shall see Him." Rev.

1:7; Matt. 24:30.

Resurrection of. Christ's persecutors.

Dan. 12:2 ; Matt. 26:64.

10.

Reaction of ungodly to the real

Christ. Rev. 6:15-17.

11.

Resurrection accompanies true sec-

ond advent. 1 Thess. 4:16.

12.

The remnant will recognize the true

Christ. Isa. 25:9.

IV. Assurance and Counsel to the

Remnant

13.

Protection against the great de-

lusion. Rev. 3:10, 11.

14.

Be prepared ! 1 Thess. 5:1-6.

THE LESSON

Introduction

The Scriptures foretell that just before

the end of time the devil will make a

determined effort to deceive everyone, in-

cluding even the remnant, by counterfeit-

ing the second advent of our Lord. So corn-

pletely overwhelming and convincing will

be the signs and wonders he then performs

that "if it were possible, they shall deceive

the very elect." To prepare us against Sa-

tan's masterpiece of deception Jesus left on

record a pointed warning. See Matt. 24:

23-25.

[21

Satan's Last Fury

What is said of Satan's activity

as the end approaches? Rev. 12:12.

NoTE.—"Satan believes and trembles. He

works. He knows his time is short, and he

has come down in great power to do his

evil works according to his faith."—Testi-

monies, vol. 2,

p. 161.

In view of the approaching

crisis, what warning does God give

His people? Ezek. 14:20.

The Counterfeit "Second Advent"

With what words did Christ

warn against last-day impostors? Matt.

24:23-25.

NoTE.—"Fearful sights of a supernatural

character will soon be revealed in the heav-

ens, in token of the power of miracle-

working demons. The spirits of devils will

go forth to the kings of the earth and to

the whole world, to fasten them in decep-

tion, and urge them on to unite with Satan

in his last struggle against the government

of heaven. By these agencies, rulers and

subjects will be alike deceived. Persons will

arise pretending to be Christ Himself, and

claiming the title and worship which be-

long to the world's Redeemer. They will

perform wonderful miracles of healing and

will profess to have revelations from

heaven contradicting the testimony of the

Scriptures."—The

Great Controversy,

page

624.

How does Satan, in person, at-

tempt to deceive the world? 2 Cor.

11:14.

NOTE.—"Satan came as an angel of light

in the wilderness of temptation to deceive

Christ; and he does not come to man in

a hideous form, as he is sometimes repre-

sented, but as an angel of light. He will

come personating Jesus Christ, working

mighty miracles; and men will fall down

and worship him as Jesus Christ. We shall

be commanded to worship this being, whom

the world will glorify as Christ. What

shall we do?—Tell them that Christ has

warned us against just such a foe, who is

man's worst enemy, yet who claims to be

God; and that when Christ shall make His

appearance, it will be with power and great

glory, accompanied by ten thousand times

ten thousand angels and thousands of

thousands; and that when He shall come,

we shall know His voice."—Ellen G. White

Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

vol.

6, pp. 1105, 1106.

How are God's people to react to

the report that Christ has returned?

Matt. 24:26.

How does the world usually re-

act to the miracle-working power of

Satan? Acts 8:9, 10.

NOTE.—"When God's presence was fi-

nally withdrawn from the Jewish nation,

priest and people knew it not. Though

under the control of Satan, and swayed by

the most horrible and malignant passions,

they still regarded themselves as the chosen

of God. The ministration in the temple con-

tinued; sacrifices were offered upon its pol-

luted altars, and daily the divine blessing

was invoked upon a people guilty of the

blood of God's dear Son and seeking to

slay His ministers and apostles. So when

the irrevocable decision of the sanctuary

has been pronounced and the destiny of

the world has been forever fixed, the in-

habitants of the earth will know it not.

The forms of religion will be continued by

a people from whom the Spirit of God has

been finally withdrawn ; and the satanic

zeal with which the prince of evil will in-

spire them for the accomplishment of his

malignant designs, will bear the semblance

of zeal for God."—The

Great Controversy,

page 615.

[ 22 ]

How to Recognize the Genuine

What unmistakable description

of the second advent did Christ give?

Matt. 24:27.

How many will see the Lord

when He appears? Rev. 1:7; Matt.

24:30.

NOTE.—"Soon there appears in the east a

small black cloud, about half the size of a

man's hand. It is the cloud which surrounds

the Saviour and which seems in the dis-

tance to be shrouded in darkness. The peo-

ple of God know this to be the sign of the

Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze

upon it as it draws nearer the earth, be-

coming lighter and more glorious, until it

is a great white cloud, its base a glory like

consuming fire, and above it the rainbow

of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a

mighty conqueror. . . . No human pen can

portray the scene; no mortal mind is ade-

quate to conceive its splendor."—The

Great

Controversy,

pages 640, 641.

What special resurrection of cer-

tain righteous and certain wicked is

mentioned as occurring before the

coming of the Lord? Dan. 12:2; Matt.

26:46. Compare Rev. 1:7.

NOTE.—"Graves are opened, and 'many

of them that sleep in the dust of the

earth . . . awake, some to everlasting life,

and some to shame and everlasting con-

tempt.' Daniel 12:2. All who have died in

the faith of the third angel's message come

forth from the tomb glorified, to hear

God's covenant of peace with those who

have kept His law. 'They also which

pierced Him' (Revelation 1:7), those that

mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies,

and the most violent opposers of His truth

and His people, are raised to behold Him

in His glory and to see the honor placed

upon the loyal and obedient."—The

Great

Controversy,

page 637.

10.

How will the wicked react to

the real Christ when He appears? Rev.

6:15-17.

NOTE.—"The derisive jests have ceased.

Lying lips are hushed into silence. The

clash of arms, the tumult of battle, 'with

confused noise, and garments rolled in

blood' (Isaiah 9:5), is stilled. Nought now

is heard but the voice of prayer and the

sound of weeping and lamentation. The

cry bursts forth from lips so lately scoffing:

`The great day of His wrath is come; and

who shall be able to stand?' The wicked

pray to be buried beneath the rocks of the

mountains, rather than meet the face of

Him whom they have despised and re-

jected."—The

Great Controversy,

page 642.

11.

What universal event, which

Satan cannot duplicate, is to accom-

pany the coming of Jesus? 1 Thess.

4:16.

NoTE.—"Amid the reeling of the earth,

the flash of lightning, and the roar of

thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls

forth the sleeping saints. He looks upon

the graves of the righteous, then, raising

His hands to heaven, He cries: 'Awake,

awake, awake, ye that sleep in the dust,

and arise!' Throughout the length and

breadth of the earth the dead shall hear

that voice, and they that hear shall live.

And the whole earth shall ring with the

tread of the exceeding great army of every

nation, kindred, tongue, and people. From

the prison house of death they come,

clothed with immortal glory, crying: '0

death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where

is thy victory ?' 1 Corinthians 15:55. And

the living righteous and the risen saints

unite their voices in a long, glad shout of

victory."—The

Great Controversy,

page

644.

12.

How will the righteous rem-

nant express their joy when the Lord

appears in the clouds of heaven? Isa.

25:9.

[ 23 ]

Assurance and Counsel to the

Remnant

13. What aid will God give His

people as they pass through the per-

plexities that precede His coming?

Rev. 3:10, 11.

NOTE.—"Only those who have been dili-

gent students of the Scriptures and who

have received the love of the truth will be

shielded from the powerful delusion that

takes the world captive. By the Bible testi-

mony these will detect the deceiver in his

disguise. To all the testing time will come.

By the sifting of temptation the genuine

Christian will be revealed. Are the people

of God now so firmly established upon

His Word that they would not yield to the

evidence of their senses? Would they, in

such a crisis, cling to the Bible and the

Bible only? Satan will, if possible, prevent

them from obtaining a preparation to stand

in that day. He will so arrange affairs as

to hedge up their way, entangle them with

earthly treasures, cause them to carry a

heavy, wearisome burden, that their

hearts may be overcharged with the cares

of this life and the day of trial may come

upon them as a thief."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

pages 625, 626.

14. What preparation should God's

people make for the difficulties that

lie ahead? 1 Thess. 5:1-6.

Lesson 7, for August 14, 1965

Attacks on God's Law

MEMORY VERSE:

"The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will

magnify the law, and make it honorable." Isa. 42:21.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," chapter 36; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;"

"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To seek strength for personal

victory in

the final conflict when the supreme

test of obedience will be brought to bear upon all.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin

reading study helps.



❑

Monday: Questions 4-7.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 8-10.



❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 11-13.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading

study helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Satan's Hatred of God's Law

Lucifer created perfect. Ezek.

28:15.

His character since his fall. 1 John

3:8.

The devil cast out of heaven. Isa.

14:12.

II. Christ's Defense of the Law

Prophecy regarding Christ and the

law. Isa. 42:21.

Christ's exaltation of the law. Matt.

5:17-22, 27, 28.

Christ's testimony regarding His

life. John 15:10.

Attitude of James toward God's

law. James 1:25.

[24

]

III. The Controversy in the Last Days

Satan wars especially against com-

mandment keepers. Rev. 12:17.

Effects on earth of transgression of

God's law. Isa. 24:4-6.

10.

Satan blames God's people for

trouble. 1 Kings 18:17, 18.

11.

Attitude of God's people. Ps.

119:110-112.

12.

Time for the Lord to work. Ps.

119:126.

13.

Our prayer. Ps. 119:18.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"From the very beginning of the great

controversy in heaven it has been Satan's

purpose to overthrow the law of God. It

was to accomplish this that he entered upon

his rebellion against the Creator, and

though he was cast out of heaven he has

continued the same warfare upon the earth.

To deceive men, and thus lead them to

transgress God's law, is the object which

he has steadfastly pursued. Whether this

be accomplished by casting aside the law

altogether, or by rejecting one of its pre-

cepts, the result will be ultimately the

same."—The

Great Controversy,

page 582.

Satan's Hatred of God' Law

What are we told about Lucifer's

original moral state? Ezek. 28:15.

Of what has Satan been guilty

"from the beginning"? 1 John 3:8.

Compare Ezek. 28:16.

NOTE.—"Our only definition of sin is that

given in the Word of God; it is 'the trans-

gression of the law;' it is the outworking

,• of a principle at war with the great law of

love which is the foundation of the divine

government."—The

Great Controversy,

page 493.

"To commit sin is to break God's law:

sin, in fact, is lawlessness." 1 John 3:4, The

New English Bible.*

3•

What was done with Lucifer

after he ceased to abide "in the truth"?

Isa. 14:12. Compare Rev. 12:7-9.

NOTE.—"When it was announced that

with all his sympathizers he must be ex-

pelled from the abodes of bliss, then the

rebel leader boldly avowed his contempt

for the Creator's law. He reiterated his

claim that angels needed no control, but

should be left to follow their own will,

which would ever guide them right. He

denounced the divine statutes as a restric-

tion of their liberty and declared that it

was his purpose to secure the abolition of

law; that, freed from this restraint, the

hosts of heaven might enter upon a more

exalted, more glorious state of existence."—

The Great Controversy,

page 499.

Christ's Defense of the Law

4. What had Isaiah prophesied re-

garding Christ's attitude toward God's

law? Isa. 42:21.

NOTE.—"But it was not merely to ac-

complish the redemption of man that Christ

came to the earth to suffer and to die. He

came to 'magnify the law' and to 'make

it honorable.' Not alone that the inhabi-

tants of this world might regard the law

as it should be regarded; but it was to

demonstrate to all the worlds of the uni-

verse that God's law is unchangeable.

Could its claims have been set aside, then

the Son of God need not have yielded up

His life to atone for its transgression. The

death of Christ proves it immutable. And

the sacrifice to which infinite love impelled

the Father and the Son, that sinners might

be redeemed, demonstrates to • all the uni-

verse—what ,nothing less than this plan of

atonement could have sufficed to do—that

justice and mercy are the- foundation of

the law and government of God."—The

Great Controversy,

page 503.

[ 25 ]

How did Christ fulfill this

prophecy? Matt. 5:17-22, 27, 28. Com-

pare Luke 10:25, 26.

Nora.—" 'Do not suppose that I have

come to abolish the Law and the prophets;

I did not come to abolish, but to complete.

I tell you this: so long as heaven and earth

endure, not a letter, not a stroke, will dis-

appear from the Law until all that must

happen has happened.' " Matt. 5:17, 18,

The New English Bible.*

What could Christ testify regard-

ing His own obedience to God's law?

John 15:10.

How did James regard God's

law? James 1:25.

NoTE.—"Let the human agent compare

his life with the life of Christ. . . . Let

him imitate the example of Him who lived

out the law of Jehovah, who said, 'I have

kept My Father's commandments.' Those

who follow Christ will be continually look-

ing into the perfect law of liberty, and

through the grace given them by Christ,

will fashion the character according to the

divine requirements."—Sons

and Daughters

of God,

page 137.

The Controversy in the Last Days

Against whom will Satan con-

duct special warfare in the last days?

Rev. 12:17.

NoTE.—"The last great conflict between

truth and error is but the final struggle of

the long-standing controversy concerning

the law of God. Upon this battle we are

now entering—a battle between the laws

of men and the precepts of Jehovah, be-

tween the religion of the Bible and the

religion of fable and tradition."—The

Great

Controversy,

page 582.

How are the effects of trans-

gression of God's law seen in the

earth itself? Isa. 24:4-6.

NoTE.—"The curse devoured.

It is not

God, but Satan, the instigator of sin, who

is responsible for the curse that results from

it. Everywhere the forces of evil are at

work and everywhere the handiwork of

Satan is clearly seen (DA 636; GC 589).

In disease and death, in earthquakes and

storms, in fires and floods, the work of the

evil one is manifest. Transgression of the

laws of God has not brought peace and

prosperity, but trouble, pestilence, pain,

and ultimately death."—S.D.A.

Bible Com-

mentary,

on Isa. 24:6.

10.

Whom did King Ahab blame

for the famine in Israel? 1 Kings 18:

17, 18.

NOTE.—"In every place and in a thou-

sand forms, Satan is exercising his power.

He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and

famine and distress follow. He imparts to

the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish

by the pestilence. These visitations are to

become more and more frequent and disas-

trous. . . .

"And then the great deceiver will per-

suade men that those who serve God are

causing these evils. The class that have

provoked the displeasure of Heaven will

charge all their troubles upon those whose

obedience to God's commandments is a

perpetual reproof to transgressors. . . . As

the wrath of the people shall be excited by

false charges, they will pursue a course

toward God's ambassadors very similar to

that which apostate Israel pursued toward

Elijah."—The

Great Controversy,

page 590.

11.

What should be the attitude

of God's people toward His law? Ps.

119:110-112.

NoTE.—"To the obedient child of God,

the commandments are a delight



"David saw the divine precepts thrown

aside, and obstinacy and rebellion increas-

[ 26 ]

ing. Was he swept away by the prevalence

of apostasy? Did the scorn and contempt

cast upon the law lead him to cowardly

refrain from making an effort to vindicate

the law? On the contrary his reverence for

the law of Jehovah increased as he saw the

disregard and contempt shown for it by

others."—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A.

Bible Commentary, vol.

3, p. 1152.

12. What sin especially calls for

God's intervention? Ps. 119:126.

NOTE.—"God will have a people upon the

earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible

only, as the standard of all doctrines and

the basis of all reforms. The opinions of

learned men, the deductions of science, the

creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils,

as numerous and discordant as are the

churches which they represent, the voice of

the majority—not one nor all of these

should be regarded as evidence for or

against any point of religious faith. Before

accepting any doctrine or precept, we should

demand a plain 'Thus saith the Lord' in its

support."—The

Great Controversy,

page

595.

13. What should be the prayer of

all God's faithful ones? Ps. 119:18.

NorE.—"One reason why many theo-

logians have no clearer understanding of

God's Word is, they close their eyes to

truths which they do not wish to practice.

An understanding of Bible truth depends

not so much on the power of intellect

brought to the search as on the singleness

of purpose, the earnest longing after righ-

teousness.

"The Bible should never be studied with-

out prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can

cause us to feel the importance of those

things easy to be understood, or prevent

us from wresting truths difficult of compre-

hension."—The

Great Controversy,

pages

599, 600.

*The New English Bible, ©

The Dele-

gates of the Oxford University Press and

the Syndics of the Cambridge University

Press, 1961.

Lesson 8, for August 21, 1965

Attempts to Destroy the Sabbath

MEMORY VERSE:

"Hallow My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me

and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God." Ezek. 20:20.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," chapter 25; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;"

"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To become aware of, and to guard against, Satan's devious measures to

obscure the true Sabbath and substitute a counterfeit in its place.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-5.



❑

Monday: Questions 6-8.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin

reading study helps.



❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 11-13.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading

study helps.



❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.



❑

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. God's Regard for the Sabbath

The heart of God's law. Ex. 20:

8-11.

A sign that the Lord is God. Ezek.

20:20.

Enduring Nature of the Law

Christ's attitude toward the law.

Matt. 5:17, 18; Mark 2:27-28.

No divine command broken with

impunity. Matt. 5:19.

Apostolic teaching on the per-

petuity of the law. James 2:10-12.

III. Satan's Opposition to the Law

Tampering with God's command-

ments. Matt. 15:3-8.

The working of the mystery of

iniquity. 2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 7-9.

Daniel's prophecy of Satan at work.

Dan. 7:25.

IV. Importance of Sabbath Restoration

Human substitutions lead to "vain

worship." Matt. 15:9.

10.

A prophecy of Sabbath restoration.

Isa. 58:12-14.

11.

We are the servants of the one we

obey. Rom. 6:16.

12.

A call for decision. 1 Kings 18:21.

13.

The remnant keep the command-

ments of God. Rev. 14:12.

THE LESSON

Introduction

Satan well knew that "had the Sabbath

been universally kept, man's thoughts and

affections would have been led to the Crea-

tor as the object of reverence and worship,

and there would never have been an idola-

ter, an atheist, or an infidel."-The

Great

Controversy,

page 438. In the endeavor to

secure his own ends in his warfare against

God, it was inevitable that the Sabbath

should become an object of Satan's special

attack.

God's Regard for the Sabbath

1. Which commandment of the

Decalogue is a perpetual reminder of

the true God as Creator of heaven and

earth? Ex. 20:8-11.

Nora.-"In Eden, God set up the me-

morial of His work of creation, in placing

His blessing upon the seventh day. The

Sabbath was committed to Adam, the fa-

ther and representative of the whole hu-

man family. Its observance was to be an

act of grateful acknowledgment, on the

part of all who should dwell upon the

earth, that God was their Creator and their

rightful Sovereign; that they were the

work of His hands,

and the subjects of His

authority. Thus the institution was wholly

commemorative, and given to all mankind.

There Was nothing in it shadowy or of

restricted application to any people."-

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 48.

2. Of what is the Sabbath declared

to be a sign? Ezek. 20:20.

NOTE.

-"The

Sabbath is ever the sign

that distinguishes the obedient from the dis-

obedient. With masterly power Satan has

worked to make null and void the fourth

commandment, that the sign of God may

be lost sight of. The Christian world have

trodden underfoot the Sabbath of the Lord

and observe a sabbath instituted by the

enemy. But God has a people who are

loyal to Him. His work is to be carried

forward in right lines. The people who

bear His sign are to establish churches and

institutions as memorials to Him. These

memorials, however humble in appearance,

will constantly bear witness against the

false sabbath instituted by Satan, and in

favor of the Sabbath instituted by the

Lord in Eden, when the morning stars

sang together and all the sons of God

shouted for

joy."-Testimonies,

vol. 7, p.

105.

[ 28 ]

Enduring Nature of the Law

How did Christ testify to the en-

during nature of the law? Matt. 5:17,

18; Mark 2:27, 28.

NOTE.—"The Sabbath was not for Israel

merely, but for the world. It had, been

made known to man in Eden, and, like

the other precepts of the Decalogue, it is

of imperishable obligation. Of that law of

which the fourth commandment forms a

part, Christ declares, 'Till heaven and earth

pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise

pass from the law.' So long as the heavens

and the earth endure, the Sabbath will con-

tinue as a sign of the Creator's power. And

when Eden shall bloom on earth again,

God's holy rest day will be honored by all

beneath the sun. 'From one Sabbath to

another' the inhabitants of the glorified

new earth shall -go up 'to worship before

Me, saith the Lord.' Matt. 5:18; Isa. 66:23."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 283.

What did Christ teach regarding

the seriousness of deliberately break-

ing any command of the law? Matt.

5:19.

NoTE.—"The claim that Christ by His

death abolished His Father's law is with-

out foundation. Had it been possible -for

the law to be changed or set aside, then

Christ need not have died to save man

from the penalty of sin. The death of

Christ, so far from abolishing the law,

proves that it is immutable."—The

Great

Controversy,

page 466.

Of what is one guilty who

breaks even one command of the law?

James 2:10-12.

NOTE.—"That the law which was spoken

by God's own voice is faulty, that some

specification has been set aside, is the claim

which Satan now puts forward. It is the

last great deception that he will bring upon

the world. He needs not to assail the

whole law; if he can lead men to disregard

one precept, his purpose is gained. For

`whosoever shall keep the whole law, and

yet offend • in one point, he is guilty of all.'

James 2:10. By consenting to break one

precept, men are brought under Satan's

power. By substituting human law. for

God's law, Satan will seek to control the

world. . .

"The warfare against God's law, which

was begun in heaven, will be continued un-

til the end of time. Every man will be

tested. Obedience or disobedience is the

question to be decided by the whole world.

All will be called to choose between the

law of God and the laws of men. Here the

dividing line will be drawn. There will be

but two classes. Every character will be

fully developed; and all will show whether

they have chosen the side of loyalty or

that of rebellion.-

"Then the end will come. God 'will

vindicate His law and deliver His people.

Satan and all who have joined him in re-

bellion will be cut

off,"—The Desire of

Ages,

page 763.

Satan's Opposition to the Law

, 6. How had the scribes and Phari-

sees obscured the purpose of God's

commandments? Matt. 15:3-8.

NoTE.—"To prepare the way for the work

which he designed to accomplish, Satan

had led the Jews, before the advent of

Christ, to load down the Sabbath with the

most rigorous exactions, making its ob-

servance a burden."—The

Great Contro-

versy,

page 52.

7. How did Paul describe an

earthly power through which Satan

would work against God? 2 Thess.

2:3, 4, 7-9.

NoTE.—The expression "that wicked" of

verse 8 means " 'the [one] destitute of law,'

hence, 'the violator of the law,' the law-

less one,' or 'the wicked one.' The refer-

ence is to the 'man of sin' (v. 3), or the

`mystery of iniquity' (v. 7). According

to one view 'the lawless one' is the papacy

(see on v. 4; cf. GC 356, 579). According

to a second view, he is not only the papacy,

but more importantly, Satan himself, the

[ 29 ]

supreme Antichrist, as he impersonates

Christ just before the last day (see on vs.

9)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

on 2

Thess. 2:8.

What would the little horn

think to do regarding God's law?

Dan. 7:25.

NorE.—Have any religious groups ac-

knowledged that there has been an attempt

to change God's law?

"We observe Sunday instead of Saturday

because the Catholic Church . . . trans-

ferred the solemnity from Saturday to

Sunday."—Peter Geiermann, C.S.S.R.,

The

Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine,

page 50.

A noted Lutheran church historian, Au-

gustus Neander, writes:

"The festival of Sunday, like all other

festivals, was always only a human ordi-

nance, and it was far from the intentions of

the apostles to establish a divine command

in this respect, far from them, and from

the early apostolic church, to transfer the

laws of the Sabbath to Sunday."—The

History of the Christian Religion and

Church,

page 186.

Importance of Sabbath Restoration

What did Jesus say about any

worship based upon the command-

ments of men? Matt. 15:9.

NoTa.—"There is cause for alarm in the

condition of the religious world today.

God's mercy has been trifled with. The

multitudes make void the law of Jehovah,

`teaching for doctrines the commandments

of men.' Matthew 15:9. Infidelity prevails

in many of the churches in our land; not

infidelity in its broadest sense—an open

denial of the Bible—but an infidelity that

is robed in the garb of Christianity, while it

is undermining faith in the Bible as a reve-

lation from

God."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 166.

10.

How did God call for a reform

in the matter of Sabbath observance?

Isa. 58:12-14.

NOTE.—"In the time of the end every

divine institution is to be restored. The

breach made in the law at the time the

Sabbath was changed by man, is to be

repaired. God's remnant people, standing

before the world as reformers, are to show

that the law of God is the foundation of

all enduring reform and that the Sabbath

of the fourth commandment is to stand as

a memorial of creation, a constant re-

minder of the power of God. In clear, dis-

tinct lines they are to present the necessity

of obedience to all the precepts of the

Decalogue. Constrained by the love of

Christ, they are to cooperate with Him in

building up the waste places. They are to

be repairers of the breach, restorers of

paths to dwell

in."—Prophets and Kings,

page 678.

11.

What determines which side a

man is on in the great controversy be-

tween Christ and Satan? Rom. 6:16.

Compare James 4:17.

NOTE.—"But Christians of past genera-

ations observed the Sunday, supposing that

in so doing they were keeping the Bible

Sabbath; and there are now true Chris-

tians in every church, not excepting the

Roman Catholic communion, who honestly

believe that Sunday is the Sabbath of di-

vine appointment. God accepts their sin-

cerity of purpose and their integrity be-

fore Him. But when Sunday observance

shall be enforced by law, and the world

shall be enlightened concerning the obliga-

tion of the true Sabbath, then whoever

shall transgress the command of God, to

obey a precept which has no higher author-

ity than that of Rome, will thereby honor

popery above God."—The

Great Contro-

versy,

page 449.

12.

What ancient call of God is of

special importance today? 1 Kings

18:21.

13.

What two fundamental doc-

trines will God's people uphold? Rev.

14:12.

[30]

Lesson 9, for August 28, 1965

The Sabbath-Great Test of Loyalty

MEMORY VERSE:

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide

under the shadow of the Almighty." Ps. 91:1.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," first half of chapter 39; "S.D.A. Bible

Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To seek to comprehend prophecies showing the enemy's final effort to force

God's people to recognize a spurious sabbath.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-3.

Monday: Questions 4, 5; begin

reading study helps.

Tuesday: Questions 6-9.

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 10-13.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Introduction

"The Sabbath will be the great test of

loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially

controverted. . . . While the observance of

the false sabbath in compliance with the

law of the state, contrary to the fourth

commandment, will be an avowal of al-

legiance to a power that is in opposition to

God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in

obedience to God's law, is an evidence of

loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Sealing Work

Strife held back until God's servants

sealed. Rev. 7:1-3.

The 144,000 sealed. Rev. 7:4.

The 144,000 seen in heaven, without

fault. Rev. 14:1, 5.

II. God's People and Their Message

The message to be given. Rev.

14:6-10.

Those who accept the message.

Rev. 14:12.

III. God's People Persecuted

The saints suffer for their faith.

Rev. 13:7,8, 16.

The death decree. Rev. 13:15-17.

A great time of trouble. Dan. 12:1.

"Hated of all men." Matt. 10:16-22.

IV. God Vindicates His People

10.

Plagues poured out on wicked.

Rev. 18:4, 8.

11.

God protects His people. Ps.

91:1, 5-8.

12.

God delivers His people. Jer. 30:

7, 8, 10.

13.

The saints in heaven. Rev. 15:2.

THE LESSON

accepting the sign of submission to earthly

powers, receive the mark of the beast, the

other, choosing the token of allegiance to

divine authority, receive the seal of God."-

The Great Controversy,

page 605.

The Sealing Work

1. What are certain angels of God

represented as doing in the last days,

and for what reason? Rev. 7:1-3.

[ 31 ]

What special group is repre-

sented as receiving God's seal? Rev.

7:4.

NOTE.—"The Sabbath of the fourth com-

mandment is the seal of the living God."

—The Great Controversy,

page 640.

"The seal of the living God will be

placed upon those only who bear a like-

ness to Christ in character.

"As wax takes the impression of the seal,

so the soul is to take the impression of

the Spirit of God and retain the image of

Christ.

"It is obedience to the principles of the

commandments of God, .that molds the

character after the divine similitude."—The

Faith I Live By,

page 287.

"It is not His [God's] will that they shall

get into controversy over questions which

will not help them spiritually, such as,

Who is to compose the hundred and forty-

font thousand? This those who are the

elect of God will in a short time know

without

question."—Selected Messages,

1, p. 174.

Where is this group later seen,

and what is said to be their spiritual

condition? Rev. 14:1, 5.

God's People and Their Message

To prepare a people for God's

kingdom, what message is to be pro-

claimed just before Jesus comes? Rev.

14:6-10.

•

Nora.—A call to worship God as the

Creator would necessarily include mention

of the Sabbath, which is God's everlasting

memorial as the Creator. The words of

Revelation 14:7, "Worship Him that made

heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the

fountains of waters," are strikingly similar

to those of the fourth commandment: "In

six days the Lord made heaven and earth,

the sea, and all that in them is." Ex. 20:11.

"The light we have received upon the

third angel's message is the true light. The

mark of the beast is exactly what it has

been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard

to this matter is yet understood, nor will

it be understood until the unrolling of the

scroll; but a most solemn work is to be

accomplished in our

world."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 17.

How are those who receive the

three angels' messages identified? Rev.

14:12.

God's People Persecuted

What indicates that God's com-

mandment-keeping people all over

the world will suffer for their faith?

Rev. 13:7, 8, 16.

NOTE.—"As America, the land of religious

liberty, shall unite with the papacy in

forcing the conscience and compelling men

to honor the false sabbath, the people of

every country on the globe will be led to

follow her

example."—Testimonies,

vol. 6,

p. 18.

"Foreign nations will follow the example

of the United States. Though she leads out,

yet the same crisis will come upon our

people in all parts of the world."—Ibid.,

p. 395.

What extreme measures will be

taken by the secular powers? Rev.

13:15-17.

NOTE.—"As the Sabbath has become the

special point of controversy throughout

Christendom, and religious and secular au-

thorities have combined to enforce the

observance of the Sunday, the persistent

refusal of a small minority to yield to the

popular demand will make them objects of

universal execration. . . . A decree will fi-

nally be issued against those who hallow the

Sabbath of the fourth commandment, de-

nouncing them as deserving of the severest

punishment and giving the people liberty,

after a certain time, to put them to death.

Romanism in the Old World and apostate

Protestantism in the New will pursue a

similar course toward those who honor all

[ 82 ]

the divine precepts."—The

Great Contro-

versy,

pages 615, 616.

"When Jesus leaves the most holy, His

restraining Spirit is withdrawn from rulers

and people. They are left to the control of

evil angels. Then such laws will be made

by the counsel and direction of Satan, that

unless time should be very short, no flesh

could be

saved."—Testimonies, vol.

1, p.

204.

In what words did Daniel fore-

tell this period of extreme difficulty?

Dan. 12:1.

NOTE.—"The restraint which has been

upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has

entire control of the finally impenitent.

God's long-suffering has ended. The world

has rejected His mercy, despised His love,

and trampled upon His law. The wicked

have passed the boundary of their proba-

tion; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted,

has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered

by divine grace, they have no protection

from the wicked one. Satan will then

plunge the inhabitants of the earth into

one great, final trouble. As the angels of

God cease to hold in check the fierce winds

of human passion, all the elements of strife

will be let loose. The whole world will be

involved in ruin more terrible than that

which came upon Jerusalem of old."—The

Great Controversy,

page 614.

What counsel did Jesus give His

disciples for the time when they

should encounter persecution? Matt.

10:16-22.

NOTE.—"It is our work to speak the truth

in love and not to mix in with the truth the

unsanctified elements of the natural heart

and speak things that savor of the same

spirit possessed by our enemies. All sharp

thrusts will come back upon us in double

measure when the power is in the hands

of those who can exercise it for injury.

Over and over the message has been given

to me that we are not to say one word, not

to publish one sentence, especially by way

_ of personalities, unless positively essential

in vindicating the truth, that will stir up our

enemies against us and arouse their passions

to a white heat. Our work will soon be

closed up, and soon the time of trouble,

such as never was, will come upon us, of

which we have but little

idea."—Testimo-

nies,

vol. 9, p. 241.

God Vindicates His People

10.

What will be poured out upon

the unrepentant world symbolized by

Babylon? Rev. 18:4, 8.

11.

What will be the experience of

God's people during the seven last

plagues? Ps. 91:1, 5-8.

NOTE.—"The people of God will not be

free from suffering; but while persecuted

and distressed, while they endure privation

and suffer for want of food they will not

be left to perish. That God who cared for

Elijah will not pass by one of His self-

sacrificing children. He who numbers the

hairs of their head will care for them, and

in time of famine they shall be satisfied.

While the wicked are dying from hunger

and pestilence, angels will shield the righ-

teous and supply their wants."—The

Great

Controversy,

page 629.

12.

What does God promise His

people in the "time of Jacob's trou-

ble"? Jer. 30:7, 8, 10.

13.

Who are pictured as being

saved in God's eternal kingdom? Rev.

15:2.

"Every day some portion of

time should be appropriated

to the study of the lessons."

—Counsels on Sabbath

School Work,

page 53.

1331

Lesson 10, for September 4, 1965

Meeting Attacks on the Bible

MEMORY VERSE:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable

for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that

the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," chapters 32 and 37; "Steps to Christ,"

chapter "What to Do With Doubt;" "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible

Dictionary."

AIM:

To discover the reasons behind Satan's special hatred of the Bible and how

we may meet the arguments he has used against it.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-5.



❑

Monday: Questions 6-10.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 11-13; begin

reading study helps.



❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Question 14; read

further on study helps.



Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Why Satan Hates God's Word

It brings light.

Ps. 119:130.

It makes men wise unto salvation

and perfects character. 2 Tim.

3:15-17.

It gives a true picture of God's

character. Micah 7:18; Matt. 5:45.

It testifies of Jesus. John 5:39;

1 John 3:8; John 8:44.

It sets forth the final victory. Rev.

21:3, 4; 22:3.

II. False Arguments Against the Bible

6. Miracles are impossible. John

11:47; Acts 4:16.

Science disproves the Bible. 1 Tim.

6:20; 2 Peter 3:2-7.

Some of Bible is folklore. 2 Tim.

3:16, first part.

9. Impossible for unlettered to com-

prehend. Ps. 19:7, 11; 2 Tim. 3:15.

10. Its demands too narrow and

restricted. Ps. 19:8-10; 119:96.

III. Reasons Some Give for Rejecting

the Bible

11. All doubts not settled. Mark 9:24.

12. The majority can't be wrong. John

7:48.

13. A warning against error.

2 Peter 2:1.

IV. The Christian's Desire

14. Our prayer. Ps. 119:33, 34.

THE LESSON

than

to destroy confidence in God and in

His Word."-The

Great Controversy,

page

526.

"The position that it is of no consequence

what men believe is one of Satan's most

[ 34 ]

Introduction

In Satan's warfare against God he has

made the Bible a special object of his at-

tack. "There is nothing that he desires more

successful deceptions. He knows that the

truth, received in the love of it, sanctifies

the soul of the receiver; therefore he is

constantly seeking to substitute false

theories, fables, another gospel."—Ibid., p.

520. Perhaps at no other period in history

has Satan been more successful than today

in undermining faith in the Bible as God's

Word.

Why Satan Hates God's Word

What does Bible truth do that

is especially obnoxious to the prince

of darkness? Ps. 119:130.

NoTE.—"The study of the Bible will en-

noble every thought, feeling, and aspi-

ration as no other study can. It gives sta-

bility of purpose, patience, courage, and

fortitude; it refines the character and sanc-

tifies the soul. An earnest, reverent study

of the Scriptures, bringing the mind of

the student in direct contact with the in-

finite mind, would give to the world men

of stronger and more active intellect, as well

as of nobler principle, than has ever resulted

from the ablest training that human philos-

ophy affords. 'The entrance of Thy words,'

says the psalmist, `giveth light; it giveth

understanding.' Psalm 119

:130."—The Great

Controversy,

page 94.

What information does the. Bi-

ble provide, of which Satan would

deprive us? 2 Tim. 3:15-17.

Contrary to the picture of God's

character •presented to the world by

Satan, what does Scripture teach?

Micah 7:18; Matt. 5:45.

NOTE.—"It is Satan's constant effort to

misrepresent the character of God, the na-

ture of sin, and the real issues at stake in

the great controversy. His sophistry lessens

the obligation of the divine law and gives

men license to sin. At the same time he

causes them to cherish false conceptions of

God so that they regard Him with fear

and hate rather than with love. The cruelty

inherent in his own character is attributed

to the Creator; it is embodied in systems.

of religion and expressed in modes of wor-

ship. Thus the minds of men are blinded,

and Satan secures them as his agents to

war against God."—The

Great Controversy,

page 569.

Of whom does the Bible testify?

What does it declare concerning Sa-

tan? John 5:39; 1 John 3:8; John 8:44.

How does the Bible set forth the

final victory over sin and the evil one?

Rev. 21:3, 4; 22:3.

False Arguments Against the Bible

Contrary to the claim that mir-

acles are impossible, what were Jesus'

enemies forced to admit? John 11:47;

Acts 4:16.

NOTE.—"Men of science claim that there

can be no real answer to prayer; that this

would be a violation of law, a miracle, and

that miracles have no existence. The uni-

verse, say they, is governed by fixed laws,

and God Himself does nothing contrary

to these laws. Thus they represent God as

bound by His own laws—as if the operation

of divine laws could exclude divine free-

dom. Such teaching is opposed to the testi-

mony of the Scriptures. Were not miracles

wrought by Christ and His apostles? The

same compassionate Saviour lives today,

and He is as willing to listen to the prayer

of faith as when He walked visibly among

men. The natural cooperates with the

supernatural."—The

Great Controversy,

page 525.

What warning is given relative

to the teachings of a science that is

opposed to the Bible? 1 Tim. 6:20;

2 Peter 3:2-7.

NoTE.—"Human knowledge of both ma-

terial and spiritual things is partial and

imperfect; therefore many are unable to

[351

harmonize their views of science with Scrip-

ture statements. Many accept mere theories

and speculations as scientific facts, and they

think that God's Word is to be tested by the

teachings of 'science falsely so called.'

1 Timothy 6:20. The Creator and His

works are beyond their comprehension; and

because they cannot explain these by na-

tural laws, Bible history is regarded as un-

reliable. Those who doubt the reliability of

the records of the Old and New Testa-

ments too often go a step further and

doubt the existence of God and attribute

infinite power to nature. Having let go

their anchor, they are left to beat about

upon the rocks of infidelity."—The

Great

Controversy,

page 522.

How much of Scripture is in-

spired? 2 Tim. 3:16, first part.

NOTE.—"And when men, compassed with

human infirmities, affected in a greater or

less degree by surrounding influences, and

having hereditary and cultivated tendencies

which are far from making them wise or

heavenly-minded, undertake to arraign the

Word of God, and to pass judgment upon

what is divine and what is human, they are

working without the counsel of God. The

Lord will not prosper such a work. The

effect will be disastrous, both upon the

one engaged in it and upon those who ac-

cept it as a work from God. Skepticism

has been aroused in many minds by the

theories presented as to the nature of in-

spiration. Finite beings, with their narrow,

shortsighted views, feel themselves compe-

tent to criticize the Scriptures, saying: 'This

passage is needful, and that passage is not

needful, and is not inspired.'

"—Testimonies,

vol. 5,

p. 709

What will a reading of the Scrip-

tures do for "the simple"? Ps. 19:7,

11; 2 Tim. 3:15.

NOTE.—"In order for Satan to maintain

his sway over men, and establish the au-

thority of the papal usurper, he must keep

them in ignorance of the Scriptures. The

Bible would exalt God and place finite men

in their true position; therefore its sacred

truths must be concealed and suppressed.

This logic was adopted by the Roman

Church. For hundreds of years the circu-

lation of the Bible was prohibited. The

people were forbidden to read it or to have

it in their houses, and unprincipled priests

and prelates interpreted its teachings to sus-

tain their pretensions. Thus the pope came

to be almost universally acknowledged as

the vicegerent of God on earth, endowed

with authority over church and state.

"The detector of error having been re-

moved, Satan worked according to his will."

—The Great Controversy,

page 51.

10.

What is said regarding the

breadth of Bible teaching and coun-

sel? Ps. 19:8-10; 119:96.

NOTE.—"Those who are unwilling to ac-

cept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible

are continually seeking for pleasing fables

that will quiet the conscience. The less

spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating the

doctrines presented, the greater the favor

with which they are received. These persons

degrade the intellectual powers to serve

their carnal desires. Too wise in their

own conceit to search the Scriptures with

contrition of soul and earnest prayer for

divine guidance, they have no shield from

delusion. Satan is ready to supply the

heart's desire, and he palms off his decep-

tions in the place of truth."—The

Great

Controversy,

page

523.

Reasons Some Give for Rejecting

the Bible

11.

When troubled by doubts, what

should we pray? Mark 9:24.

NOTE.—"There is but one course for those

to pursue who honestly desire to be freed

from doubts. Instead of questioning and

caviling concerning that which they do not

understand, let them give heed to the light

which already shines upon them, and they

will receive greater light. Let them do

every duty which has been made plain to

their understanding, and they will be en-

abled to understand and perform those of

which they are now in doubt."—The

Great

Controversy,

page 528.

"In almost every case where persons be-

come unsettled in regard to the inspiration

of the Word of God, it is on account of

their unsanctified lives, which that Word

condemns. . . . Difficulties and doubts which

perplex the vicious heart will be cleared

away before the one practicing the pure

principles of

truth."—Testimonies, vol. 1,

p. 440.

12.

In an attempt to persuade oth-

ers to join the majority, what mis-

leading question did some raise in

Christ's day? John 7:48.

13.

What warning is given against

false teachings? 2 Peter 2:1. Compare

Acts 20:29, 30.

Nora.—"Innumerable are the erroneous

doctrines and fanciful ideas that are obtain-

ing among the churches of Christendom... .

"The errors of popular theology have

driven many a soul to skepticism who might

otherwise have been a believer in the

Scriptures. It is impossible for him to ac-

cept doctrines which outrage his sense of

justice, mercy, benevolence; and since these

are represented as the teaching of the Bible,

he refuses to receive it as the Word of God.

"And this is the object which Satan

seeks to accomplish."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

pages 525, 526.

"When men arise, claiming to have a mes-

sage from God, but instead of warring

against principalities and powers, and the

rulers of the darkness of this world, they

form a hollow square, and turn the weapons

of warfare against the church militant, be

afraid of them. They do not bear the

divine credentials. God has not given them

any such burden of labor. They would

tear down that which God would restore

by the Laodicean message. He wounds

only that He may heal, not cause to. perish.

The Lord lays upon no man a message that

will discourage and dishearten the church.

He reproves, He rebukes, He chastens; but

it is only that He may restore and approve

last."—Testimonies to Ministers,

pages

22, 23.

The Christian's Desire

14.

What should be the prayer

the true Christian? Ps. 119:33, 34.

Lesson 11, for September 11, 1965

Stewardship and the Final Crisis

MEMORY VERSE:

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so

let him

give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

2 Cor. 9:7.

STUDY HELPS:

"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 50; "Counsels on Stewardship,"

section II; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary;" "Testimo-

nies," vol. 5, pp. 152, 154, 155.

AIM: To study God's plan for the support of His work in the earth, to gain a

greater appreciation of the blessings accompanying faithful tithing and

generous giving.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Check Here

Wednesday: Begin reading

Sunday:

Questions 1-5.

❑

study helps.

❑

Monday:

Questions 6-10.

❑

Thursday:



Finish reading study

Tuesday:

Questions 11-13.

❑

helps.

Friday:



Review entire lesson.

E87]

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Warning Against Covetousness

"Beware of covetousness." Luke

12:15.

The foolish rich man. Luke

12:16-21.

Our treasure to be in heaven. Luke

12:33, 34.

Unhappy result of the love of

money. 1 Tim. 6:9, 10.

Admonition to the rich. 1 Tim.

6:17-19.

II. Tithing-God's Antidote to

Covetousness

Instituted early. Lev. 27:30.

Strongly supported by Christ.

Matt. 23:23.

God's promised blessings. Mal.

3:10, 11.

Stealing from God. Mal. 3:8, 9.

10.

Support of the ministry. Num.

18:21.

III. The Importance of Liberality

11.

Offerings to be brought. Ps. 96:8.

12.

Relation of liberality to spirituality.

Luke 12:34; Prov. 11:25.

13.

Attitude of the giver. 2 Cor. 9:7.

THE LESSON

fidels, and blasphemers, but of inconsistent

professors of Christ. These are the ones

that keep back the blessing of the God of

Israel and bring weakness upon His

peo-

ple."-Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 496,

497.

Introduction

"Satan is pleased to have you increase

your farms and invest your means in

worldly enterprises, for by so doing you not

only hinder the cause from advancing, but

by anxiety and overwork lessen your pros-

pect for eternal

life."-Testimonies, vol.

p. 152.

Warning Against Covetousness

1. Against what sin did Christ

especially warn His followers? Luke

12:15.

NOTE.

-"We are as directly forbidden to

indulge covetousness as was Achan to ap-

propriate the spoils of Jericho. God has

declared it to be idolatry. . . . And yet,

notwithstanding all these warnings, cove-

tousness abounds.. .

"This evil exists not in the world alone,

but in the church. How common even

here to find selfishness, avarice, overreach-

ing, neglect of charities, and robbery of

God 'in tithes and offerings.' Among

church members 'in good and regular stand-

ing,' there are, alas! many Achans. Many

a man comes statedly to church, and sits at

the table of the Lord, while among his

possessions are hidden unlawful gains, the

things that God has cursed.. . •

"The influence most to be feared by the

church is not that of open opposers, in-

What lesson did Jesus teach in

His parable of the foolish rich man?

Luke 12:16-21.

NoTE.-"I saw that it was impossible to

have the affections and interests engrossed

in worldly cares, to be increasing earthly

possessions, and yet be in a waiting, watch-

ing position, as our Saviour has com-

manded. Said the angel: 'They can secure

but one world. In order to acquire the

heavenly treasure, they must sacrifice the

earthly. They cannot have both worlds.' "

-Testimonies, vol. 2,

p. 193.

How are treasures laid up in

heaven? Luke 12:33, 34.

What is the result of setting

one's heart on riches? 1 Tim. 6:9, 10.

NOTE .-"When the love of the world

takes possession of the heart and becomes

a ruling passion, there is no room left for

[88

]

adoration to God; for the higher powers

of the mind submit to the slavery of mam-

mon, and cannot retain thoughts of God

and of heaven. The mind loses its remem-

brance of God and is narrowed and dwarfed

to the accumulation of

money."—Testi-

monies,

vol. 3, p. 385.

What admonition is given to the

rich? 1 Tim. 6:17-19.

NOTE.—"Paul shows what risks men will

run to become rich. But many are deter-

mined to be rich; this is their study, and in

their zeal eternal considerations are over-

looked. They are blinded by Satan and

make themselves believe that it is for good

purposes they desire this gain; they strain

their consciences, deceive themselves, and

are constantly coveting riches. Such have

erred from the faith and pierced themselves

through with many sorrows. They have

sacrificed their noble, elevated principles,

given up their faith for riches, and, if not

disappointed in their object, they are dis-

appointed in the happiness which they sup-

posed riches would bring. They are en-

tangled, perplexed with care; they have

made themselves slaves to their avarice and

compelled their families to the same slav-

ery, and the advantages they reap are 'many

sorrows.'

"—Testimonies, vol.

1, pp. 541,

542.

Tithing—God's Antidote to

Covetousness

What plan did God institute as

an antidote against satanic selfishness?

Lev. 27:30.

NOTE.—"The special system of tithing

was founded upon a principle which is as

enduring as the law of God. This system

of tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else

God would not have given it them. So also

will it be a blessing to those who carry it

out to end of time. Our heavenly Father

did not originate the plan of systematic

benevolence to enrich Himself, but to be

a great blessing to man. He saw that this

system of beneficence was just what man

needed."—Testimonies,

vol. 3, pp. 404, 405.

How did Jesus give support to

the principle of tithing? Matt. 23:23.

NoTE.—"I have been shown that many

of our people are robbing the Lord in

tithes and in offerings, and as the result

His work is greatly hindered. The curse of

God will rest upon those who are living

upon God's bounties and yet close their

hearts and do nothing or next to nothing

to advance His cause. Brethren and sisters,

how can the beneficent Father continue to.

make you His stewards, furnishing you with

means to use for Him, when you grasp it

all, selfishly claiming that it is yours!"—

Testimonies, vol.

5, p. 151.

What is promised to the faith-

ful tithepayer? Mal. 3:10, 11.

NOTE.—"The contributions required of

the Hebrews for religious and charitable

purposes amounted to fully one fourth of

their income. So heavy a tax upon the

resources of the people might be expected

to reduce them to poverty; but, on the

contrary, the faithful observance of these

regulations was one of the conditions of

their prosperity."—Patriarchs

and Proph-

ets,

page 527.

Of what is a man guilty who

withholds his tithes and offerings?

Mal. 3:8, 9.

NoTE.—"He who embezzles his Lord's

goods not only loses the talent lent him

of God, but loses eternal

life."—Testimo-

nies,

vol. 3, p. 387.

"With these words of light and truth be-

fore them, how dare men neglect so plain

a duty? How dare they disobey God when

obedience to His requirements means His

blessing in both temporal and spiritual

things, and disobedience means the curse

of God? Satan is the destroyer. God can-

not bless those who refuse to be faithful

stewards. All He can do is to permit

Satan to accomplish his destroying work.-

We see calamities of every kind ,and in

every degree coming upon the earth, and

why? The Lord's restraining power is not

[ 39 ]

exercised. The world has disregarded the

Word of God. They live as though there

were no

God."—Ibid.,

vol. 6, pp. 388, 389.

10.

What is God's plan for the

use of the tithe? Num. 18:21. Com-

pare 1 Cor. 9:13, 14.

NOTE.—"It is not God's purpose that

Christians, whose privileges far exceed those

of the Jewish nation, shall give less freely

than they gave. 'Unto whomsoever much is

given,' the Saviour declared, 'of him shall

be much required.' Luke 12:48. The liberal-

ity required of the Hebrews was largely to

benefit their own nation; today the work

of God extends over all the earth. In the

hands of His followers, Christ has placed

the treasures of the gospel, and upon them

He has laid the responsibility of giving the

glad tidings of salvation to the world.

Surely our obligations are much greater

than were those of ancient Israel."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 337, 338.

The Importance of Liberality

11.

Besides the tithe, what else is

the believer to bring to God? Ps.

96:8.

NOTE.—"The payment of the tithe was

but a part of God's plan for the support of

His service. Numerous gifts and offerings

were divinely specified. Under the Jewish

system the people were taught to cherish

a spirit of liberality both in sustaining the

cause of God and in supplying the wants

of the needy."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 336, 337.

12.

What relationship is there be-

tween spiritual well-being and liberal

giving? Luke 12:34; Prov. 11:25.

NOTE.—"The spiritual health and pros-

perity of the church is dependent in a great

degree upon her systematic benevolence.

It is like the lifeblood which must flow

through the whole being, vitalizing every

member of the body. It increases love for

the souls of our fellowmen; for by self-

denial and self-sacrifice we are brought

into a closer relation to Christ, who for

our sakes became poor. The more we in-

vest in the cause of God to aid in the

salvation of souls, the closer to our hearts

will they be

brought."—Testimonies,

vol.

3, p. 405.

13.

In what spirit are offerings to

be presented to God? 2 Cor. 9:7.

Lesson 12, for September 18, 1965

Assaults Against the Ordinances

MEMORY VERSE:

"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show

the Lord's death till He come." 1 Cor. 11:26.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Desire of Ages," chapters 71, 72; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary

;

"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To understand better Satan's assaults on the memorials of Christ's death and

resurrection, and how to meet them.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Sunday: Questions

1-4.



❑

Monday: Questions 5-8.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 9-11; begin

reading study helps.

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 12, 13

;

read from study helps.

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

[ 40 ]

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Remembering Christ's Death and

Resurrection

The cross, assurance of Satan's de-

feat. Heb. 2 : 14.

Counsel to remember Christ's

death, burial, and resurrection.

1 Cor. 15:2-4.

The Communion service. 1 Cor.

11:26.

Baptism. Col. 2:12.

II. God's Plan for the Communion

Service

Christ washed disciples' feet. John

13:3-5.

Spiritual significance of this act.

John 13:6-10.

7. Ordinance of humility a permanent

part of the Communion service.

John 13:13-17.

8. Bread and wine symbolize body and

blood of Jesus. 1 Cor. 11:23-25.

III. God's Plan for Christian Baptism

9. Baptism for all desiring salvation.

Acts 2:38.

10. Immersion practiced by the early

church. Acts 8:38, 39.

11. Spiritual experience to accompany

baptism. Rom. 6:3, 4.

IV. Conclusion

12. False practices obscure the meaning

of these memorials.

13. Believers admonished to seek the

things of heaven. Col. 3:1.

THE LESSON

NOTE.

-"Without

the cross, man could

have no union with the Father. On it de-

pends our every hope. From it shines the

light of the Saviour's love, and when at

the foot of the cross the sinner looks up to

the One who died to save him, he may re-

joice with fullness of joy, for his sins are

pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross,

he has reached the highest place to which

man can attain."-The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 209, 210.

Introduction

"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless

love will be elevated in thought, purified in

heart, transformed in character. He will

go forth to be a light to the world, to

reflect in some degree this mysterious love.

The more we contemplate the cross of

Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the

language of the apostle when he said, 'God

forbid that I should glory, save in the

cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom

the world is crucified unto me, and I unto

the world.' Gal.

6:14."-The Desire of

Ages,

page 661. Since Satan knows the

power of Calvary on the human family, it

is obvious that he will do all in his power

to destroy the memorials of the Saviour's

death and resurrection-baptism and the

Communion service.

Remembering Christ's Death and

Resurrection

What event gives assurance of

Satan's final destruction? Heb. 2:14.

Compare Rev. 20:10.

What events are those who desire

salvation admonished always to keep

in mind? 1 Cor. 15:2-4.

What memorial helps us to re-

member Christ's death? 1 Cor. 11:26.

Compare Matt. 26:26-28.

Through what Christian ordi-

nance are we made partakers with

Christ in His death and resurrection?

Col. 2:12.

NOTE.

-"The

vows which we take upon

ourselves in baptism embrace much. In the

name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy

Spirit we are buried in the likeness of

Christ's death and raised in the likeness of

His resurrection, and we are to live a new

life. Our life is to be bound up with the

life of Christ. Henceforth the believer is to

bear in mind that he is dedicated to God,

to Christ, and to the Holy

Spirit."—Testi-

monies,

vol. 6, p. 98.

God's Plan for the Communion

Service

What did Jesus do preceding the

first Communion service? John 13:

3-5.

With what words did Jesus in-

dicate to Peter the importance of this

preparatory experience? John 13:

6-10.

NorE.—"These words mean more than

bodily cleanliness. Christ is still speaking

of the higher cleansing as illustrated by the

lower. He who came from the bath was

clean, but the sandaled feet soon became

dusty, and again needed to be washed. So

Peter and his brethren had been washed in

the great fountain opened for sin and un-

cleanness. Christ acknowledged them as

His. But temptation had led them into evil,

and they still needed His cleansing grace.

When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to

wash the dust from their feet, He desired

by that very act to wash the alienation,

jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This

was of far more consequence than the wash-

ing of their dusty feet. With the spirit they

then had, not one of them was prepared

for communion with Christ. Until brought

into a state of humility and love, they were

not prepared to partake of the paschal

supper, or to share in the memorial service

which Christ was about to institute. Their

hearts must be cleansed."—The

Desire of

Ages,

page 646.

What indicates that the ordi-

nance of humility is to be a part of

the Communion service? John 13:

13-17.

What do the unleavened bread

and the unfermented wine of the

Lord's supper symbolize? 1 Cor. 11:

23-25.

NOTE.—"As we receive the bread and

wine symbolizing Christ's broken body and

spilled blood, we in imagination join in the

scene of Communion in the upper chamber.

We seem to be passing through the garden

consecrated by the agony of Him who bore

the sins of the world. We witness the

struggle by which our reconciliation with

God was obtained. Christ is set forth cruci-

fied among

us."—The Desire of Ages,

page

661.

God's Plan for Christian Baptism

What is God's plan for each in-

dividual who accepts salvation? Acts

2:38.

NorE.—"No matter how faultless may

have been your lives, as sinners you have

steps to take. You are required to repent,

believe, and be baptized. Christ was wholly

righteous; yet He, the Saviour of the

world, gave man an example by Himself

taking the steps which He requires the

sinner to take to become a child of God,

an heir of heaven.

"If Christ, the spotless and pure Re-

deemer of man, condescended to take the

steps necessary for the sinner to take in

conversion, why should any, with the light

of truth shining upon their pathway, hesi-

tate to submit their hearts to God, and in

humility confess that they are sinners, and

show their faith in the atonement of Christ

by words and actions, identifying them-

selves with those who profess to be His

followers?"—Testimonies,

vol. 4, pp. 40, 41.

10.

What mode of baptism was

practiced by the early church? Acts

8:38, 39.

NorE.—Only in baptism by immersion do

both minister and candidate go down to-

gether into the water. The Greek word

for "baptize" means literally "to immerse,"

"to cover over with fluid."

11.

What experience is to follow

a Christian's baptism? Rom. 6:3, 4.

[42

NOTE.—"Satan does not want anyone to

see the necessity of an entire surrender to

God. When the soul fails to make this sur-

render, sin is not forsaken; the appetites

and passions are striving for the mastery;

temptations confuse the conscience, so that

true conversion does not take place. If all

had a sense of the conflict which each soul

must wage with satanic agencies that are

seeking to ensnare, entice, and deceive, there

would be much more diligent labor for

those who are young in the faith.

"These souls, left to themselves, are often

tempted and do not discern the evil of the

temptation. Let them feel that it is their

privilege to solicit counsel. Let them seek

the society of those who can help them.

Through association with those who love

and fear God they will receive strength."—

Testimonies,

vol. 6, pp. 92, 93.

Conclusion

12. How has Satan attempted to

destroy the meaning of these memori-

als?

ANSWER: By introducing a variety of

un-Biblical practices in various Christian

churches; such as infant baptism, sprin-

kling and pouring, the use of fermented

wine, neglect of the ordinance of humility,

and the practice of giving the wine to the

clergy only.

Noza.—"The ordinances of baptism and

the Lord's Supper are two monumental

pillars, one without and one within the

church. Upon these ordinances Christ has

inscribed the name of the true

God."—Tes-

timonies,

vol. 6, p. 91.

13. What are baptized

believers

admonished to seek? Col. 3:1.

NOTE.—"You must experience a death to

self, and must live unto God. . . . Self is

not to be consulted. Pride, self-love, selfish-

ness, avarice, covetousness, love of the

world, hatred, suspicion, jealousy, evil sur-

misings, must all be subdued and sacrificed

forever. When Christ shall appear, it will

not be to correct these evils and then give

a moral fitness for His coming. This prep-

aration must all be made before He comes.

It should be a subject of thought, of study,

and earnest inquiry, What shall we do to

be saved? What shall be our conduct that

we may show ourselves approved unto

God?"—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 705.

Lesson 13, for September 25, 1965

Satan's Last Stand

MEMORY VERSE:

"What do ye imagine against the Lord? He will make an utter

end: affliction shall not rise up the second time." Nahum 1:9..

STUDY HELPS:

"The Great Controversy," chapter 30; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;"

"S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."

AIM:

To seek to understand the true character of Satan, and how to avoid falling

prey to his sophistries.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey.

❑

Check Here

Wednesday:



Begin reading study

Sunday: Questions 1-5.



helps.



❑

Monday:



Questions 6-8.

Thursday:



Finish reading study

Tuesday:



Questions 9-13.

helps.

❑

Friday:



Review entire lesson.

❑

[ 43 ]

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Satan's Attempts to Conceal His

True Character

As a beautiful serpent. Gen. 3:1.

As an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14.

His true character. Rev. 12:12;

1 Peter 5:8.

Pretending he does not exist.

Pictures himself as a hideous crea-

ture.

II. Satan's Attempts to Blind Mankind

6. Enmity between Satan and the

church. Gen. 3:15, first part.

Enmity between Christians and un-

believers. Gen. 3:15, second part.

Satan's attempts to blind mankind.

2 Cor. 4:4.

III. The Annihilation of Evil

The cross assures Satan's destruc-

tion. Heb. 2:14.

10.

He will be reduced to ashes.

Ezek. 28:16-19; Rev. 20:10; 21:4

(last part), 27.

11.

Sin will never rise again. Nahum

1:9.

12.

Redeemed praise God for victory.

Rev. 7:9, 10.

13.

The invitation to come and escape

the annihilation. Rev. 22:17.

THE LESSON

of burnished gold. Resting in the rich-

laden branches of the forbidden tree and

regaling itself with the delicious fruit, it

was an object to arrest the attention and

delight the eye of the beholder. Thus in

the garden of peace lurked the destroyer,

watching for his

prey."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 53.

Introduction

"Had Satan revealed himself in his real

character, he would have been repulsed at

once, for Adam and Eve had been warned

against this dangerous foe; but he worked

in the dark, concealing his purpose, that he

might more effectually accomplish his ob-

ject. . . . Had Eve refrained from entering

into argument with the tempter, she would

have been safe; but she ventured to parley

with him and fell a victim to his wiles. It

is thus that many are still overcome. They

doubt and argue concerning the require-

ments of God; and instead of obeying the

divine commands, they accept human

theories, which but disguise the devices of

Satan."—The

Great Controversy,

pages

531, 532.

Satan's Attempts to Conceal His

True Character

1. In what disguise did Satan first

present himself to mankind? Gen. 3:1.

NoTE.—"In order to accomplish his work

unperceived, Satan chose to employ as his

medium the serpent—a disguise well

adapted for his purpose of deception. The

serpent was then one of the wisest and

most beautiful creatures on the earth. It

had wings, and while flying through the

air presented an appearance of dazzling

brightness, having the color and brilliancy

2. In what disguise will Satan pre-

sent himself in the last days? 2 Cor.

11:14.

NOTE



have been shown that we must

be guarded on every side and perseveringly

resist the insinuations and devices of Satan.

He has transformed himself into an angel

of light and is deceiving thousands and

leading them captive. The advantage he

takes of the science of the human mind, is

tremendous. Here, serpentlike, he im-

perceptibly creeps in to corrupt the work of

God. The miracles and works of Christ

he would make appear as the result of hu-

man skill and power. If he should make an

open, bold attack upon Christianity, it

would bring the Christian in distress and

agony to the feet of his Redeemer, and his

strong and mighty Deliverer would put the

bold adversary to flight. He therefore

transforms himself into an angel of light

and works upon the mind to allure from

the only safe and right

path."—Testimo-

nies, vol.

1, p. 290.

. 3. What is Satan's true character?

Rev. 12:12; 1 Peter 5:8.

NoTE.—"Satan is Christ's personal en-

emy. He is the originator and leader of

every species of rebellion in heaven and

earth. His rage increases; we do not real-

ize his power. If our eyes could be opened

to discern the fallen angels at work with

those who feel at ease and consider them-

selves safe, we would not feel so secure.

Evil angels are upon our track every mo-

ment. We expect a readiness on the part

of bad men to act as Satan suggests; but

while our minds are unguarded against his

invisible agents, they assume new ground

and work marvels and miracles in our

sight. Are we prepared to resist them by

the Word of God, the only weapon we

can use successfully

?"—Testimonies, vol.

1, p. 302.

What novel idea has Satan in-

troduced to deceive the unwary?

ANSWER: The idea that he does not exist.

NOTE.—"None are in greater danger from

the influence of evil spirits than those who,

notwithstanding the direct and ample

testimony of the Scriptures, deny the exis-

tence and agency of the devil and his angels.

So long as we are ignorant of their wiles,

they have almost inconceivable advantage;

many give heed to their suggestions while

they suppose themselves to be following the

dictates of their own wisdom. This is why,

as we approach the close of time, when

Satan is to work with greatest power to

deceive and destroy, he spreads everywhere

the belief that he does not exist. It is his

policy to conceal himself and his manner

of working."—The

Great Controversy,

page

516.

How has Satan caused himself

to be pictured to lead people to reject

the idea of his existence?

ANSWER: As a ridiculous creature, half

animal, half human, complete with pitch-

fork, a being which could not be taken

seriously by any thoughtful person.

[

NOTE.—"The better to disguise his real

character and purposes, he has caused him-

self to be so represented as to excite no

stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt.

He is well pleased to be painted as a ludi-

crous or loathsome object, misshapen, half

animal and half human. He is pleased to

hear his name used in sport and mockery

by those who think themselves intelligent

and well informed.

"It is because he has masked himself with

consummate skill that the question is so

widely asked: 'Does such a being really

exist?' It is an evidence of his success that

theories giving the lie to the plainest testi-

mony of the Scriptures are so generally re-

ceived in the religious world."—The

Great

Controversy,

pages 516, 517.

Satan's Attempts to Blind Mankind

What promise did God make to

man after his fall? Gen. 3:15, first

part.

NOTE.—"God declares:



will put en-

mity.' This enmity is not naturally enter-

tained. When man transgressed the divine

law, his nature became evil, and he was in

harmony, and not at variance, with Satan.

There exists naturally no enmity between

sinful man and the originator of sin. Both

became evil through apostasy. The apos-

tate is never at rest, except as he obtains

sympathy and support by inducing others

to follow his example. For this reason fallen

angels and wicked men unite in desperate

companionship. Had not God specially in-

terposed, Satan and man would have en-

tered into an alliance against Heaven ; and

instead of cherishing enmity against Satan,

the whole human family would have been

united in opposition to God."—The

Great

Controversy,

page 505.

In addition to Satan and the

woman, who else were to experience

this enmity? Gen. 3:15, second part.

NOTE.—"But the purity and holiness of

Christ called forth against Him the hatred

of the ungodly. His life of self-denial and

sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof

to a proud, sensual people. It was this that

evoked enmity against the Son of God.

Satan and evil angels joined with evil men.

All the energies of apostasy conspired

against the Champion of truth.

"The same enmity is manifested toward

Christ's followers as was manifested toward

their Master. Whoever sees the repulsive

character of sin, and in strength from

above resists temptation, will assuredly

arouse the wrath of Satan and his subjects.

Hatred of the pure principles of truth, and

reproach and persecution of its advocates,

will exist as long as sin and sinners remain.

The followers of Christ and the servants of

Satan cannot harmonize."—The

Great Con-

troversy,

pages 506, 507.

What has Satan done to prevent

man's acceptance of the gospel? 2

Cor. 4:4.

"Satan is constantly drawing the peo-

ple from saving light to custom and fash-

ion, irrespective of physical, mental, and

moral health. The great enemy knows that

if appetite and passion predominate, health

of body and strength of intellect are sacri-

ficed upon the altar of self-gratification,

and man is brought to speedy ruin."—Mes-

sages to Young People,

page 237.

The Annihilation of Evil

What assurance is given that

Satan will ultimately be destroyed?

Heb. 2:14.

10.

How is Satan's destruction pic-

tured in the Bible? Ezek. 28:16-19;

Rev. 20:10; 21:4 (last part), 27.

Nora.—"The wicked are filled with the

same hatred of God that inspires Satan;

but they see that their case is hopeless, that

they cannot prevail against Jehovah. Their

rage is kindled against Satan and those who

have been his agents in deception, and with

the fury of demons they turn upon them."

—The Great Controversy,

page 672.

11.

What comforting assurance is

given to God's afflicted people? Na-

hum 1:9.

NOTE.—"The whole universe will have

become witnesses to the nature and results

of sin. And its utter extermination, which

in the beginning would have brought fear

to angels and dishonor to God, will now

vindicate His love and establish His honor

before the universe of beings who delight

to do His will, and in whose heart is His

law. Never will evil again be manifest."—

The Great Controversy,

page 504.

12.

With what joyous hymn will

the redeemed in heaven praise God?

Rev. 7:9, 10.

NoTE.—"The redeemed raise a song of

praise that echoes and reechoes through the

vaults of heaven: 'Salvation to our God

which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the

Lamb.' . . . And angel and seraph unite

their voices in adoration. As the redeemed

have beheld the power and malignity of

Satan, they have seen, as never before, that

no power but that of Christ could have

made them conquerors. In all that shining

throng there are none to ascribe salvation

to themselves, as if they had •prevailed by

their own power and goodness. Nothing is

said of what they have done or suffered;

but the burden of every song, the keynote

of every anthem, is: Salvation to our God,

and unto the Lamb."—The

Great Contro-

versy,

page 665.

13.

What invitation does Christ ex-

tend to every living soul? Rev. 22:17.

"The Lord designs that the means

entrusted to us shall be used in

building up His kingdom."—"Coun-

sels on Stewardship," page 35.

[ 46 ]

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

September 25, 1965

SOUTHERN EUROPEAN DIVISION

The Southern European Division is made up of fifty-seven countries ,

and islands, including the Vatican State, with territory on three con-

tinents. Think of the tremendous task of covering such a vast territory

and of the great variety of languages in which the work must be con-

ducted. In this total population of 310,168,036, we have 1,567 Adventist

churches, with a membership of 114,419, but with a Sabbath school

membership of 161,803, as of June 3o, 1964.

One of the greatest needs for carrying on the work in this inter-

national field is the need for trained workers. The French Adventist

Seminary at Collonges, France, has been filling this need for a number

of years. Our increasing membership means an increasing enrollment

at the seminary, and that is the reason this senior college has been named

to be the recipient of a part of the overflow from the Thirteenth Sab-

bath Offering on September 25, for the purpose of building a new girls'

dormitory. The rest of the overflow will go to build a new mission

station near Abong Mbang, South Cameroun, Africa, one of the mis-

sion fields of the Southern European Division.

Lessons for the Fourth Quarter of 1965

Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior

Lesson Quarterly

for

the fourth quarter of 1965 will be helped by the following outline in studying the

first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is "The Church in the Christian

Era." The title of the first lesson is "What Is the Church?" The memory verse is

Ephesians 1:22, 23. The study helps are

The Desire of Ages,

pages 412-414;

Testi-

monies to Ministers,

pages 15-23;

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 595, 596. The

texts to be studied are:

Ques. 1. 1 Cor. 11:18; 14:4, 28, 35.

Ques. 2. 1 Cor. 1:2.

Ques. 3. Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:12; Rom.

12:4, 5.

Ques. 4. Eph. 2:18, 19.

Ques. 5. Eph. 3:14, 15; Heb. 12:22-24.

Ques. 6. Heb. 1:13, 14; Ps. 34:7.

Ques. 7. Eph. 1:3-6; Gal. 4:4-6.

I 47 I

Ques. 8. Eph. 2:12, 13, 16, 18.

Ques. 9. 2 Cor. 6:17,.18; John 1:12.

Ques. 10. 1 John 4:7, 10, 11.

Ques. 11. Eph. 2:21.

Ques. 12. Eph. 2:20; 1 Cor. 3:11.

Ques. 13. 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Cor. 3:16.

Ques. 14. Eph. 2:22.

BELGIUM

PORTUGAL

CORSICA

MOROCCO

9.41331014 STATION

MTN CAMEROUN

RIO

MUNI

ATLANTIC OCEAN

SOUTHERN

EUROPEAN

DIVISION

LUXEMBOURG

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

FRANCE

GIRLS' Dammam'

FRENCH ADVENTIST SEMINARY

SWITZERLAND

YUGOSLAVIA

ATLANTIC

OCEAN

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

SARDINIA

ALGERIA

TUNISIA



0.11.

ANGOLA U. M.



1.904949



13,791



31,943

...,.

c,...,



AUSTRIAN U. C



7067,432



2,052



3,009

EINGARIAN MISSION



7.169000



2.766



2,900

CDFCHOSLOVAILMN U. C



14000.0E0



1.925

EQUAT. MIKAN U.



6.641.493



4779



25.946

, E•

2IANCO.9ELGMN U.



53030000



5523



4.3

GREED MISSION



9934,600



201



214

HUNGARIAN U. C



10110.0E0



153



5.913



DIM

(

Nos.

•



INDIAN OCEAN U. M.



7206000



103



5,525



9.563

•

D4194



ISRAEL MISSION



14250.000



ITALIAN U. M.



50,463962



50E6



3.229

MOZAAMIQUE MISSION



6,335000



9027



113.

CHAD

NORTH AFRICAN U. M.



26914,0E0



421



191

PORTUGUESE U. M.



10,710000



2,335



3,122

RUMANIAN U. C



11,403000



SII



3450



51,743

SENEGAL MISSION



13.137000



70.

SPANISH CHURCH



30.379503



1239



2.202

CAMEROON



SWISS U. C



56600:0



3536



YUGOSLAVIAN U. C.



19500403



132



9342



9,450

— — —

DIVISION TOTALS



310,169036



1569



114,942



161,151

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

CONGO

GABON